Relativity Space

Launch Complex 16 build update. From vehicle integration and infrastructure engineering to fluid systems and offshore operations, our team combines expertise from various industries to ensure successful execution of the Terran R integration, launch, and reuse lifecycle.      Progress so far:  ✅ Flame trench and pad center excavation is complete   ✅ Tank farm foundations are complete, including early installs of critical tank hardware   🔁 Foundation work for the hangar which will integrate the vehicle is finishing up  🔁 Launch mount fabrication is underway    🔁 Early landing ship design is underway    🔁 Launch automation and operations planning are underway      The team is scaling up – join the fun: https://lnkd.in/eEPqMbY Data and Control Systems Engineering: https://bit.ly/4kLkxG9   High Power Engineering: https://bit.ly/41MgHE3   Launch Fluids Engineer: https://bit.ly/3ZDayuz 

Spotted on the factory floor: TPS application on a Terran R thrust structure panel. Thermal protection systems (TPS) are crucial for protecting the vehicle from aerodynamic heating during atmospheric entry. Our in-house expertise—from materials development to thermal analysis—drives the innovation behind Terran R’s TPS design and testing. The process:  1️⃣ Material Selection – Proprietary, in-house developed TPS tailored for extreme conditions. 2️⃣ Surface Preparation – Ensuring optimal adhesion to prevent disbond during flight. 3️⃣ Application – Bonding TPS using vacuum pressure for uniform coverage. 4️⃣ Curing & Inspection – Rigorous checks to verify quality throughout application. Learn more about future Terran R plans for re-entry from the team: https://lnkd.in/ghgAs7iY 

Blending proven and innovative solutions, Terran R barrels are machined and welded in-house using highly optimized tooling custom to our chosen alloys. Different methods are employed across the first and second stage barrels.    🔹 First Stage: Experiences intense force at launch & re-entry, requiring a welded stringer design to unlock greater performance at less cost  🔹 Second Stage: Operates in a different environment, allowing us to use thinner sheets of aluminum with a milled orthogrid structure, optimizing both cost and mass for the expendable part of the vehicle    We’re scaling fast. Join the team.   Structures Manufacturing Engineer: https://bit.ly/4iBSLut   Components Engineer: https://bit.ly/3Y0gHPB   Friction Stir Weld Technician: https://bit.ly/4huq2pG   All roles: https://lnkd.in/dmaGJr7b

Throttle valves, isolation valves, igniter solenoid valves – you name it, we've made it. We are designing, manufacturing, and testing dozens of valves in-house, ensuring we can scale production for Terran R. And we’re #hiring. Join us. 🚀Components engineer: https://bit.ly/4hqj31m   🚀Senior Components Engineer: https://bit.ly/3Y0gHPB   🚀Staff Components Engineer: https://bit.ly/4icOg9o   All roles: https://lnkd.in/dmaGJr7b 

Our latest Aeon R engines have already hit major milestones for Terran R.  Across the latest 3rd gen Aeon R engines, we’ve achieved:  ✅ Service Life: Far exceeded the runtime required for launching and reusing Stage 1 of Terran R (1,740 seconds), reaching 74 starts compared to the baseline of 31.  ✅ Hot Fire Test: Achieved the longest hot fire on an Aeon R engine at 160+ seconds.  ✅ Gimbal Profile Capabilities: Successfully activated hot fire gimbal profiles, with near-daily gimbal hot fires and more testing on the way.    Take an in-depth look at our propulsion program: https://lnkd.in/gypMNbpB

Aeon R engines are running gimbaled testing, verifying thrust vector control systems with integrated TVCAs and the same front-to-back communication loop planned for stage testing.     💡️ Gimbaling is what allows the vehicle to steer during flight, keeping everything on course from liftoff to landing.  A gimbaling engine is critical for in-flight control. These tests ensure the actuators, software, and supporting systems are all working together as expected.    🔥 Propulsion Test Engineer: https://bit.ly/3XP7rxG   🔥 Senior Propulsion Test Engineer: https://bit.ly/3FuDOLS   🔥 Senior Test Operations Engineer: https://bit.ly/3FseXZb     All roles: https://lnkd.in/dmaGJr7b  

Design, build, test, repeat. Or, in the words of Clay Walker: build it, blow it up, repeat.    Since its commissioning in 2023, our dual-bay engine test stand at NASA Stennis Space Center has supported over 175 engine hot fires—and counting.    Learn more about the role of rapid iteration, additive manufacturing, and block upgrades (and catch some 💥): https://lnkd.in/gypMNbpB  

Spotted on the factory floor: Terran R’s Stage 1 Common Dome downcomer stub weld operations are complete—a critical step in building a high-performance propellant tank. The downcomer stub acts as the interface within the propellant tank, separating the fuel and LOX tanks while directing LOX propellant to the Aeon R engines. Welding it to the common dome ensures a robust, sealed connection that withstands high pressure, cryogenic temperatures, and intense flight vibrations. Key requirements:  ✔️ Withstand cryogenic temperatures & high loads  ✔️ Maintain precise process control for high-quality welds  ✔️ Ensure airtight welds for proper fuel flow and propellant separation We’re hiring:  🚀 Senior Friction Stir Weld Technician: https://bit.ly/4huq2pG   🚀 Senior Integration Technician: https://bit.ly/4iFqUZC   🚀 Senior Vehicle Manufacturing Engineer: https://bit.ly/43ELd5d All roles: https://lnkd.in/dmaGJr7b

I’m excited and honored to join Relativity Space as CEO, and a special thank you to Tim for his leadership and vision in guiding Relativity to this moment. Tim and his colleagues have established a strong foundation for all that’s to come. I’m looking forward to continuing this journey with the incredibly talented and dedicated Relativity team. #NewBeginnings #ReachingForTheMoon #RelativitySpace #SpaceExploration

Design and analysis are critical, but you can’t launch CAD. It’s time to build. 🔧    ✅ Flight production underway: Barrels, structures, domes, and more are flowing through the factory  ✅ Engine program in full swing: Dev and flight parts are being printed and tested ahead of qualification  ✅ Scaling manufacturing: Increasing production rates and volumes for operations at scale     Get the details in our Terran R program update: https://bit.ly/3DE5zks