World’s First 3D-Printed Rocket Might Finally Launch on Saturday

Countdown to the countdown.

Everything is getting the 3D-printed treatment these days. From car parts and bike cranks, to saxophone mouthpieces and automotive accessories it seems like you can fabricate almost anything with time, talent and a half-decent 3D printer. Now, space travel startup Relativity Space is taking that notion one step further as it prepares to launch the world’s first 3D-printed rocket.

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After NASA showcased the potential of a 3D printed rocket engine earlier this year, Relativity Space is about to launch its latest orbiter, which is comprised of 85 percent 3D-printed components. The space startup originally scheduled the launch of the new craft for Wednesday (March 8), but has since pushed the launch back to Saturday (March 11).

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According to Space.com, the 110-foot-tall Terran 1 rocket is a two-stage craft that is mostly built using components that have been made using 3D-printing tech. The major components that have been created in this way include the rocket’s fuselage, and its nine Aeon-1 engines. The rocket’s engines also run on liquid methane, which is another first for the U.S. space industry.

Terran 1 Interstage Build Timelapse