World's First 3D-Printed Rocket Launch Scrapped at the Last Moment

The Terran 1, a relatively compact rocket also known as GLHF or "Good Luck, Have Fun", measures just 110ft in length and has a maximum lifting capacity of 1,250kg..

According to a report by The Independent, the world's first 3D-printed rocket was scheduled to launch on Wednesday but had to be cancelled at the last minute due to a temperature problem. The issue was related to the upper stage of the launcher. The Terran 1, a relatively compact rocket measuring only 110ft, was set to take off from the former missile site at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

One of the key features of the rocket is its ability to lift up to 1,250 kg into low orbit using 3D-printed engines and structures.

Player ready? Yup. Our next launch attempt window is confirmed for this Saturday, March 11 from 13:00 – 16:00 ET. #GLHF pic.twitter.com/lBXCm9nNeG

— Relativity Space (@relativityspace) March 8, 2023

During the launch attempt on Wednesday, the company faced an issue that led to the cancellation of the launch with only one minute remaining in the countdown. The onboard flight computers were subsequently shut down as well. The company took to Twitter to provide an explanation for the incident.

In a tweet, the company stated that "When using liquid natural gas, the methane needs time to get to the right concentration. This is why our next attempt will be a few days from now." The company also expressed its commitment to making progress and stated that "The team is working hard to prepare for our next launch opportunity in the coming days.

Today’s launch attempt for #GLHF Terran 1 was scrubbed due to exceeding launch commit criteria limits for propellant thermal conditions on stage 2. The team is working diligently toward our next launch window in the coming days. Check back here soon for updates on the launch… https://t.co/LxWJzfZ9BI pic.twitter.com/M4RVu6EkR8

— Relativity Space (@relativityspace) March 8, 2023

After the launch attempt was called off due to propellant thermal conditions, Relativity Space confirmed on social media that they will attempt the launch again on March 11, between 01:00 pm to 03:00 pm.

The company is aiming to significantly reduce costs with their 3D-printed rockets. According to The Independent, each launch would cost approximately $12 million.

In a statement, the company compared their product with SpaceX's Falcon 9. By contrast, the Falcon 9 rocket, which is widely used by SpaceX, has the ability to launch over 22,000kg of payload into orbit and has an estimated cost of approximately $67 million per launch.

Interestingly, SpaceX has been using 3D printing technology for manufacturing rocket parts for a while, but Relativity Space is taking it to the next level. Reportedly, 85% of Terran 1, which is also known as GLHF or "Good Luck, Have Fun," is 3D-printed."