United States: 3D rocket launch canceled again

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A rocket made up almost entirely of 3D-printed parts arrived within half a second of its maiden flight on Saturday, but was stranded by another back-to-back launch cancellation.

The engines fired but because they suddenly stopped, Relativity Space’s Terran rocket remained parked on the platform.

Launch controllers had reset countdown clocks and waited for the last possible moment in a three-hour window to launch at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

But once again the on-board computers stopped the countdown, this time with 45 seconds remaining.

Relativity Space attributed the first problem of the afternoon to automation software and the second to low fuel pressure.

The first takeoff attempt on Wednesday was canceled on the minute due to valve failure.

The company has not yet communicated when it will attempt the launch again.

The rocket, at 33 meters (110 feet) is relatively small. Relativity Space said 85% of the rocket, including the engines, was made on its giant 3D printers at the company’s headquarters in Long Beach, California.

The rocket’s flight is a test and everything on board is the company’s first metal 3D print. The firm intends to place the rocket, along with the second stage, into a short-duration low orbit.

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