First Terran 1 launch fails to reach orbit
Posted: Sat, Mar 25, 2023, 11:25 AM ET (1525 GMT)
Relativity Space launched its first Terran 1 rocket Wednesday night, exceeding expectations even while falling short of orbit. The Terran 1 lifted off at 11:25 pm EDT (0325 GMT Thursday) from Cape Canaveral on a test flight called "Good Luck, Have Fun" by the company. The rocket's first stage performed as planned, passing through Max-Q, or the maximum dynamic pressure on the vehicle. The rocket's upper stage separated nearly three minutes after liftoff but its engine appeared to malfunction and shut down seconds later, keeping the rocket from reaching orbit. Despite the failure to reach orbit, Relativity still celebrated the launch, arguing that it demonstrated the rocket's 3D-printed structures could handle the rigors of flight.
Relativity Space launched its first Terran 1 rocket Wednesday night, exceeding expectations even while falling short of orbit. The Terran 1 lifted off at 11:25 pm EDT (0325 GMT Thursday) from Cape Canaveral on a test flight called "Good Luck, Have Fun" by the company. The rocket's first stage performed as planned, passing through Max-Q, or the maximum dynamic pressure on the vehicle. The rocket's upper stage separated nearly three minutes after liftoff but its engine appeared to malfunction and shut down seconds later, keeping the rocket from reaching orbit. Despite the failure to reach orbit, Relativity still celebrated the launch, arguing that it demonstrated the rocket's 3D-printed structures could handle the rigors of flight.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
SpaceX sets Nov. 18 launch date for sixth Starship test flight
Posted: Sat, Nov 9 9:57 AM ET (1457 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Tuesday, November 26
Firefly’s Lunar Lander Launch Window To Open In Mid-January
Aviation Week — 6:53 am ET (1153 GMT) Editorial: Coloradans, unite to keep Space Command in Colorado Springs
Denver Post — 6:52 am ET (1152 GMT) Bipartisan letter urges Trump to keep Space Force HQ in Colorado
KXRM-TV Colorado Springs — 6:52 am ET (1152 GMT) Colorado leaders applaud as Air Force says Schriever Space Base to serve as home of Space Delta 15
Colorado Public Radio — 6:51 am ET (1151 GMT) Rocket Lab Completes Dual Launches
Aviation Week — 6:50 am ET (1150 GMT) |
