Relativity Space is an aerospace manufacturer that focuses on 3D printing rockets and rocket engines. It was founded in 2015 by Tim Ellis and Jordan Noone, who both worked at Blue Origin and SpaceX previously. Relativity has secured over $1.3 billion in investments so far from top venture capital firms like Playground Global, Tiger Global, Tribe Capital, Fidelity Management and Research Company. Its innovative technology enables 3D printing of 95% of rocket parts, significantly lowering costs and increasing production speed. Relativity aims to launch the first 3D printed rocket, Terran 1, in 2022. With continuing financial support and technological breakthroughs, relativity space has huge potential in revolutionizing rocket manufacturing.
Relativity Space’s disruptive 3D printing technology draws investors’ attention
Relativity Space uses giant 3D metal printers and proprietary alloys to construct nearly entire rockets with very few parts out of a giant 3D metal printer. This disrupts traditional rocket manufacturing which involves thousands of parts built by an army of suppliers. 3D printing significantly drops labor hours and supply chain complexity. Relativity can print a rocket in just 60 days, instead of 2 years through conventional means. The simplicity also makes rockets lighter and more reliable. Such innovative technology offers relativity space good prospects of leading more cost-effective and faster rocket production, appealing to investors.
Relativity’s partnerships with government agencies and satellite operators create market opportunities
Relativity has cooperated with NASA on testing parts and secured a launch site at Cape Canaveral through a partnership with the US Air Force. Terran 1 rocket is designed to be flexible and serve most low Earth orbit commercial satellite constellations. Relativity has contracted to launch satellites for companies like Iridium, OneWeb and Telesat which plan to build large satellite networks. These partnerships provide business opportunities and demonstrate the commercial viability of relativity space’s products.
Experienced team and strategic investors indicate potential for success
The founding team including CEO Tim Ellis and CTO Jordan Noone have worked many years in aerospace industry and successfully delivered innovative projects before. The credibility helps attract reputable investors like Playground Global by ex-Googlers and Fidelity. These investors can provide not just funding but also connections and mentorship. With seasoned leadership, strong financial backing and partnerships, relativity space shows ability to deliver on its ambition.
Demand for affordable rapid launch expected to grow steadily
The small satellite market has boomed in recent years with companies like SpaceX planning to launch tens of thousands of satellites to provide global broadband. Cost and lead time of traditional launches cannot meet the needs. Relativity’s 3D printing technology offers more launch flexibility at lower costs. Government and commercial customers need such responsive and economical launch capacities. As long as relativity executes well, the market prospects look promising.
With innovative 3D printing technology, experienced team and solid financial support, relativity space has demonstrated strong potential to capture the growing small satellite launch market and transform rocket manufacturing. Its partnerships with key customers lay the business foundation while disrupting industry status quo.