CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The inaugural launch of a rocket made almost entirely out of 3D printed parts was once again halted on March 11, quite literally at the last minute.
The rocket, named Terran by aerospace company Relativity Space, came within a minute of take-off twice, but sadly technical difficulties stopped the launch each time.
On the first launch attempt, the rocket's engines ignited, but shut down abruptly.
Controllers at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station reset the launch countdown, hoping for another attempt at lift-off within the three-hour launch window, but unfortunately Terran's on-board flight computers halted the mission once again with only 45 seconds remaining.
Relativity Space stated that the first aborted launch was due to an issue with the automation software, and the second was due to low fuel pressure.
A previous launch attempt on March 8 was also aborted at the one-minute mark due to a bad valve.
Relativity Space says that 85% of the 110-foot-tall rocket, including the engines, were produced by large 3D printers at the company's Long Beach, California headquarters.
Terran will be unmanned and is meant to be a test flight intended to put the second stage of the rocket, which also carries the company's first 3D metal print, into a low, short-lived orbit.
There is no word yet on when Relativity Space will try to launch the rocket again.
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