10 Private Space Exploration Ventures Revolutionizing Our Cosmic Future

8. Relativity Space: 3D-Printed Rockets

What would it mean to print a rocket—almost entirely—from scratch? Relativity Space is showing us right now. Their Terran 1 rocket is the largest 3D-printed object to ever launch, sporting a glow-up that traditional metalworkers might envy. By using massive robotic printers, Relativity can build rockets in a fraction of the time, customize designs with ease, and eventually tap into the sort of rapid scaling crucial for deep space missions. The team isn’t stopping at one launch. Their upcoming Terran R rocket will be fully reusable, aiming to blend eco-friendliness with cost-cutting tech—a win for the environment and for anyone tracking their stock portfolio. If you want a peek at how your next kitchen gadget might be manufactured (in a roundabout way), Relativity’s approach is worth watching. Who knew rocket science and 3D printers could be such close friends?