Starship and Super Heavy: SpaceX's Mars-Colonizing Transportation System Relativity Space will 3D-print rockets at new autonomous factory in Long Beach, California Relativity Space readies for its first launch of 3D-printed rocket later this year The 2024 mission would be Relativity's first launch of the Terran R.
While this construction makes it clear that Relativity Space intends to become a major player in the commercial launch services industry, it has yet to put a rocket into space. Relativity Space currently operates or is developing multiple launch facilities and their related infrastructure (opens in new tab) at several U.S.
The firm has been pioneering the use of metal 3D printers to manufacture its rockets’ fuselages and engines, a manufacturing approach Relativity claims reduces supply chain complexity and development timelines. Relativity Space was founded in 2015 and has since raised over $1 billion in funding, Ars Technica reported (opens in new tab). That doesn't mean they haven't been laying the groundwork. However, it is important to note that neither company has put a single payload into space to date. If Relativity and Impulse can pull off their plan, they just might be the first commercial space companies to reach the Red Planet.