Relativity Space Terran 1 3D Rocket Launched From Florida Wednesday Night

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Relativity Space launched the world's first 3D-printed rocket Wednesday night, after two previous launch scrubs.

T​he rocket, called Terran 1, lifted off at about 11:25 p.m. eastern time. T​he upper stage of rocket unexpectedly shut down about three minutes after liftoff, sending Terran 1 down into the Atlantic Ocean instead of into orbit.

But Relativity says the rocket passed critical tests the company was hoping for, including making it past the point in the launch where the maximum amount stress is put on the rocket and the point at which the stages separate.

Not only is Terran 1 built almost entirely of 3D parts, it's fueled by methane. Both make it a pioneer in space flight.

"Today is a huge win, with many historic firsts," the company tweeted.

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W​eather was 95% go for the launch, according to the U.S. Space Force 45th Weather Squadron, which issues official launch forecasts.

S​pectators on the ground in Florida had mostly clear skies. Temperatures were around 70 degrees during the launch window.

Relativity's first launch attempt was called at the last minute on March 8, due to a temperature issue with the rocket's upper stage. The rocket's second launch attempt was scrubbed at the last second on March 11.

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About 85% of its parts were printed at Relativity's factory in Long Beach, California. That includes the rocket's engines, according to the company's website.

Eventually, the company plans for 95% of the rocket to be made from 3D parts.

Terran is small by rocket standards, measuring about 110 feet tall and 7.5 feet in diameter, and weighing about 20,450 pounds. That compares to about 230 feet tall, 12 feet around and more than 1.2 million pounds for a SpaceX Falcon 9.

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But Relativity says Terran is "the largest 3D-printed object to exist and to attempt orbital flight." The company also plans for a larger, reusable version in the future.

The orbital test flight attempt, the first for Relativity, was named "Good Luck, Have Fun," or GLHF for short.

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