Space startup’s 3D-printed rocket fails to reach orbit

Relativity Space's 3D-printed rocket Terran 1 sits is rolled out to the launch pad at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in this December 2022 photo. — Reuters

Launch startup Relativity Space Inc’s mostly 3D-printed Terran 1 rocket failed to reach orbit after suffering an issue mid-flight.

After successfully launching from Cape Canaveral, Florida on Wednesday night, an anomaly cropped up after the rocket’s stages separated. A livestream of the launch showed the ignition of the upper stage engine seemingly cutting out early. Still, the Relativity team ended coverage on a positive note, saying the company collected critical data proving its 3D-printed manufacturing technique works.