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| Image Credits: Relativity Space |
On June 8th, 2021, Relativity Space announced their second rocket in their arsenal, the Terran R. Designed to fulfill the role of a heavy lift launch vehicle (HLV or HLLV) by being able to lift more than 20,000 kg (~44,000 lbs) to low Earth orbit (LEO), and being fully reusable it is going to be a major contender against SpaceX's Starship.
Terran R will stand 216 ft (65.84 m), have a 16 ft (4.88 m) diameter, and 16.4 foot payload (5 m). It will comprise of two stages, the first will be powered by seven of Relativity's Aeon R rocket engines, while the second will utilize one Aeon Vac rocket engine. Using methane and liquid oxygen propellants' the Terran R is set to produce 2,100,000 lbf (9345 kN) of thrust.
The specs of the Terran R aren't the only impressive thing of note. The rocket, just like Relativity's other rocket the Terran 1, is fully 3D printed. Every piece, from the engines to the fairings, will be optimally printed in Relativity's world class factory. A perk of 3D printing is that the rocket will contain 100 times less parts than a conventionally produced rocket and be fully produced in 60 days. The rocket is also slated to be fully reusable so commercial and government customers get an affordable option to reach LEO or beyond. Relativity is also planning on utilizing the Terran R as a freighter to carry payloads from Earth to the Moon or Mars.
Relativity Space expects to launch the Terran R at Cape Canaveral starting in 2024.
