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SCRUB: Relativity Space launches First Terran 1 Rocket

NASASpaceflight・2 minutes read

The first launch attempt for relativity's Terran one rocket, the first methane-fueled rocket from the Florida Space Coast, is covered by NASA Space Flight with commentary from Chris Gephart, Adrian Biele, and Alejandro Romero. The rocket is methane-fueled and largely 3D-printed, aiming for a successful launch with a focus on reaching orbit and customer willingness to pay for payload placement.

Insights

  • Terran one is a methane-fueled rocket, utilizing 3D printing for 90% of its mass, following a trend in the industry towards methane for Mars missions.
  • The rocket's propulsion system, largely 3D printed using aluminum alloys, aims to achieve a total thrust of 920 kilonewtons with aeon1 engines, focusing on reaching crucial milestones like maxq.
  • The decision not to separate payload fairings on the launch emphasizes testing the rocket's propulsion system rather than carrying a traditional payload, influenced by cost and customer willingness to pay.
  • Propellant conditioning is crucial for rocket engines, requiring precise temperature control to ensure proper ignition and performance, with potential issues like combustion instability if not within the correct range.
  • The 3D printing technology used in rocket production enables cost optimization, consistent manufacturing, and easy design adjustments without new tooling, potentially revolutionizing space exploration and production cadence.

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Recent questions

  • What is the purpose of the Terran one rocket launch?

    The Terran one rocket launch serves customers with booked payloads for multiple flights, focusing on commercial operations rather than being a technology demonstration.

  • How does propellant conditioning impact rocket launches?

    Propellant conditioning is crucial for rocket engines to operate properly, requiring specific pressure and temperature ranges. If not within this range, engines may not ignite, affecting engine performance and potentially causing a failed launch.

  • What is the significance of 3D printing in rocket manufacturing?

    3D printing technology in rocket manufacturing allows for cost optimization, consistent production, and easy adjustments to rocket design without the need for new tooling. Terran one is the first rocket with 85% 3D printed components, showcasing the efficiency of this technology.

  • What are the potential impacts of a failure during the Terran one flight?

    In the event of a failure during the Terran one flight, there could be implications for Falcon 9's launch the following day, as past incidents have shown how one rocket's failure can affect another's launch schedule.

  • How does the flight termination system protect assets during rocket ascents?

    The flight termination system plays a crucial role in protecting assets during rocket ascents by providing varying termination limits based on altitude and velocity. This system ensures safety by mitigating risks and controlling potential failures during the launch process.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

"Terran One: Historic Methane Rocket Launch"

  • The first launch attempt for relativity's Terran one rocket, the first methane-fueled rocket from the Florida Space Coast, is covered by NASA Space Flight.
  • Chris Gephart, assistant managing editor, and Adrian Biele, along with Alejandro Romero, provide commentary on this historic launch.
  • The rocket, Terran one, is on launch complex 16, not visible from the VAB, with cameras tracking its progress.
  • The launch window is open until 4 P.M. Eastern, with a slight delay of 20 minutes so far.
  • The rocket is methane-fueled, part of a trend in the industry towards methane for Mars missions.
  • Terran one is a largely 3D-printed rocket, with 90% of its mass consisting of printed components.
  • Tim Ellis, relativity's CEO, aims for a successful launch, particularly clearing maxq, a crucial milestone.
  • The launch countdown resumes after a brief hold, with just under 34.5 minutes to go.
  • SpaceX's Vulcan and New Glenn rockets also use liquid natural gas, which is actually pure methane, similar to Terran one.
  • The technical difference between liquid natural gas and liquid methane is clarified, with a focus on the terminology used by different companies.

17:02

"Terran One: Innovative Rocket Technology and Challenges"

  • Ula uses highly purified liquid natural gas with a methane concentration above 98 percent for their engines.
  • The first stage of the rocket Terran one will have a total thrust of 920 kilonewtons, similar to the Falcon 9 Merlin 1DS engine.
  • The engines used on Terran one are the aeon1 engines, with a new engine called an R in development for future use.
  • The aeon1 engines produce 920 kilonewtons of thrust on the first stage.
  • The rocket is mostly 3D printed using an aluminum alloy material.
  • The rocket does not have a traditional payload but carries a piece of one of the first metal 3D prints made by the company.
  • The decision not to separate the payload fairings on this flight was made to primarily test the rocket's propulsion system.
  • The rocket's material composition and design choices are influenced by factors like cost, confidence in reaching orbit, and customer willingness to pay for payload placement.
  • The 3D printing process for the rocket uses specialized aluminum alloys, with potential for new technologies in future iterations.
  • The launch of Terran one is uncertain in terms of success, with considerations for potential failures and the unpredictability of rocket launches.

33:37

"Rocket Launch Challenges and 3D Printing Advantages"

  • The second stage of the rocket, which was least changed, failed during the launch.
  • Launching a brand new rocket historically has low success rates due to lack of heritage hardware.
  • Only three rockets in history successfully launched on their first attempt without significant heritage hardware.
  • Starship lacks heritage from Falcon 9, making its success crucial for its own merit.
  • Terran 1's stages separate using pneumatic pushers, similar to Falcon 9.
  • Terran 1 aims to produce 12 rockets per year with a production cadence of one per month.
  • 3D printing allows for cost optimization and consistent production, aiding in the cadence of rocket production.
  • 3D printing also enables easy adjustments to rocket design without the need for new tooling.
  • The ability to 3D print rockets on other planets, like Mars, could revolutionize space exploration.
  • The primary goal of Terran 1's first flight is to pass Max Q, the maximum aerodynamic stress on the vehicle.

50:09

"Rocket Pro: 3D Printing Upgrades Await"

  • 3D printer needed to create rocket Pro, limited by printer size
  • 3D printing technology being upgraded for faster production
  • Taran 1 launch delayed for propellant conditioning, aiming for 2 PM launch
  • Realignment for additional time due to propellant temperature issues
  • Teams conducting go/no-go poll before terminal countdown
  • Taran 1 not reusable, but Terran R planned as fully reusable
  • Terran R to have Eon R engine, an evolution of Eon 1 engine
  • Terran 1 to have three flights with Eon 1 engine before switching to Eon R
  • Terran 1 launch targeting straight east for easy access
  • Flare stack burns excess methane to reduce environmental impact

01:06:18

"Essential Propellant Temperature Control for Rocket Engines"

  • Propellant conditioning is crucial for rocket engines to operate properly, requiring specific pressure and temperature ranges.
  • Rockets have a specific window for pressure and temperature for propellant, and if not within this range, engines may not ignite.
  • Adjusting propellant conditioning is not uncommon and has caused scrubs in the past due to misalignment of temperature and pressure.
  • Proper propellant temperature is vital for engine thermal conditioning and ignition, as engines must be within a specific temperature range to start correctly.
  • Incorrect propellant temperature can lead to various issues, affecting engine performance and potentially causing a failed launch.
  • Subcooling propellants, like kerosene, too much can lead to viscosity issues, hindering engine performance.
  • Methane and liquid oxygen propellants must be at the right temperature to prevent combustion instability, crucial for rocket fuel efficiency.
  • Liquid oxygen stratification within the tank can lead to uneven temperatures, affecting engine performance during flight.
  • Propellant conditioning impacts engine performance and stability, requiring precise temperature control for consistent rocket operation.
  • Combustion stability with methane as a rocket fuel is challenging due to the lack of a predictable interaction state between molecules, emphasizing the importance of proper propellant temperature.

01:22:54

SpaceX Leases Landing Zones to Other Providers

  • Landing zones one and two for the Falcon 9 are to be used by other launch providers, Phantom and Via Space.
  • LC1 and LC2 are not owned by SpaceX but are leased, similar to LC39A and Slick 40.
  • The Space Force can allocate other companies to use the landing zones if the lease allows it.
  • SpaceX's LC39A lease with NASA is exclusive to SpaceX alone.
  • The landing zones may be used by other companies in the future, but it won't affect Falcon 9 landings.
  • The location of the landing zones is limited due to SpaceX's extensive infrastructure there.
  • Relativity decided not to provide close-up views for media on this launch.
  • The rocket venting before launch is likely oxygen venting from the tanks.
  • The rocket for this flight is not carrying a payload, focusing on data collection.
  • Lightning protection towers are present to prevent the rocket from being struck by lightning.

01:39:13

"Rocket Launch Weather and Lightning Protection"

  • Different providers have varying ground wind constraints, with wind strength varying based on direction.
  • Wind direction impacts rocket drift upon launch, necessitating consideration of acceptable wind speeds.
  • Weather constraints for Terran 1 do not list ground winds as a concern for the current launch.
  • Lightning protection at launch pads can be achieved through different methods, such as channeling strikes down catenary wires or attracting strikes to poles.
  • The launch towers at this site are designed to channel lightning strikes directly to the ground.
  • Launch Tower merchandise is available for purchase to support the community and space events.
  • Propellants are conditioned by releasing from the top and filling up from the bottom to achieve optimal temperature.
  • The rocket's window for launch extends until 4 P.M., with cloud cover potentially affecting visibility during liftoff.
  • The rocket is not the first methane rocket to space, as another rocket reached space but did not complete orbit.
  • The rocket can carry 1.4 metric tons of bacon to low earth orbit and 898 kilograms to a sun synchronous orbit.

01:55:14

"Rocket launch countdown and technical details"

  • OSM initiates the hold command on the OSM GUI and notifies LD and RC on the primary net LCE on Bravo.
  • Request to open stage one field and fuel blades GCVC while limiting communication channels.
  • Countdown proceeds unless directed by LCR LD support room.
  • Vehicle launch director confirms readiness with 12 minutes 45 seconds on the clock for liftoff attempt.
  • Technical perspective discussed with potential outcomes, including the possibility of not achieving liftoff.
  • Countdown timeline detailed, with terminal count starting at T minus 10 minutes and ignition of first stage engines at six seconds before liftoff.
  • Taran one's purpose clarified as serving customers with payloads booked for several flights, not a technology demonstration.
  • Launch details include the rocket's trajectory eastward, with the first stage dropping into the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Propellants used in the rocket highlighted, emphasizing the 3D printed and methane-based aspects.
  • Launch countdown resumes after a brief hold, indicating confidence in resolving issues before liftoff.

02:12:39

"Rocket launch delay and recycle options"

  • The countdown is momentarily paused, with a one minute 10-second delay expected before the first liftoff attempt of Taran one.
  • The clock is extended, indicating a delay in the countdown, with a potential recycle option being considered.
  • The first liftoff attempt has been aborted, with a focus on potential recycle options due to an automated abort at T minus 70 seconds.
  • Methane gas release is necessary due to an automated abort at T minus 70 seconds, with a team assessing the possibility of recycling within the launch window.
  • The launch pad, Slick 16, has a history of 141 rocket launches, with Taran one being the 142nd launch from the complex.
  • Relativity Space entered a five-year agreement in 2019 for the use of the pad, with Taran one being the rocket in focus for potential recycle options.
  • The rocket, Taran one, is 3D printed, with a launch cost of approximately $12 million USD as of 2021.
  • The rocket uses gaseous oxygen and nitrogen for purging and venting, with a focus on the cost-effectiveness of 3D printing technology.
  • The second stage of Taran one is methane-based, with an aeon vacuum engine, similar to Falcon 9's setup.
  • SpaceX announces a new launch time for Falcon 9's one web launch on Thursday, March 9th, at 2:13 PM Eastern, proceeding with their launch plans.

02:30:16

"Terran One Launch: 3D Printing Advantages"

  • Explains the hypothetical scenario of a failure during Terran one's flight and its potential impact on Falcon 9's launch tomorrow.
  • Recalls a past incident where a Falcon 9 failure affected an Atlas V launch at the Cape.
  • Discusses the decision-making process behind using the flight termination system.
  • Confirms the corrected liftoff time for Terran one as 15:45 Eastern Time.
  • Details the reasons for having a launch window for a test flight, including FAA regulations and operational considerations.
  • Clarifies the concept of 3D printing in rocket manufacturing, highlighting the significance of Terran one being the first rocket with 85% 3D printed components.
  • Mentions the advantages of 3D printing technology in rocket assembly, emphasizing its efficiency in integrating smaller parts into larger structures.
  • Provides updates on the weather situation, mentioning rain within five nautical miles of the launch pad but not causing immediate concern.
  • Addresses the vast geographic area of the Cape and its impact on weather conditions during launches.
  • Responds to a question about the flight termination system's capabilities, explaining its role in protecting assets during rocket ascents and the varying termination limits based on altitude and velocity.

02:47:01

Rocket Stages, Reusability, and Launch Scrubs

  • The H3 provides velocity in the first stage of the rocket stack.
  • Consideration is given to what will survive atmospheric re-entry.
  • Blowing up the second stage is seen as a way to mitigate failure.
  • Smaller pieces increase the likelihood of burning up in the atmosphere.
  • Falcon 9 missions delay the safety of the second stage until terminal guidance.
  • Relativity plans to make Terran reusable with the Terran R rocket.
  • The launch was scrubbed for the day, with plans for a possible attempt tomorrow.
  • Detanking and depressurizing the rocket is part of the post-scrub process.
  • Relativity aims for full reusability with the Terran rocket.
  • The Eastern range may permit back-to-back launches with Falcon 9 and Terran.

03:04:27

Rocket experts discuss future launches and relativity.

  • Adrian, a Methalox rocket expert, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to discuss Methalox rockets and relativity during the stream, despite the lack of a launch, highlighting the enjoyable and informative nature of the conversation.
  • Alex, another participant, shared insights on the unique aspects of new rockets, comparing them to previous models and expressing excitement for future launch attempts, acknowledging the contributions of the operator and producer, Patrick, in facilitating the stream and making it accessible to a global audience.
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