Relativity Space

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:? 1?? Material Selection – Proprietary, in-house developed TPS tailored for extreme conditions. 2?? Surface Preparation – Ensuring optimal adhesion to prevent disbond during flight. 3?? Application – Bonding TPS using vacuum pressure for uniform coverage. 4?? 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??

Terran R is coming to life. We’ve advanced design fidelity across all subsystems, hit significant hardware and software development milestones, and moved into first flight production. Click through to take a look at what the team has been up to. ????? ? Terran R program update: https://bit.ly/3DE5zks