Evolution of Terran R, with Tim Ellis (Relativity Space) – Payload

EPISODE SUMMARY

This weeks Pathfinder pod features Relativity Space CEO Tim Ellis. Tim walks us through what went wrong during Terran 1s flight and why it wont happen with Terran R. Listen to Pathfinder #0071 for more on Relativitys future on Mars, whether theres a rocket larger than Terran R in Relativitys future, the long-term strategy for 3D printing, and much more.

Last March, Terran 1 became the first 3D printed rocket to reach suborbital space, but failed to reach orbit.

The Shift to Terran R

Earlier this year, Relativity announced that it was scrapping Terran 1 development to focus solely on its larger Terran R vehicle.

Marketing Strategy

Its no secret that Relativity has one of the most innovative marketing strategies of the major launch companies. Ellis shed light on the companys unique marketing approach, which is as strategic as it is creative.

In addition, Mo and Tim also discuss:

This episode is brought to you by SpiderOak, a US-based software company that builds space cybersecurity products and solutions for civilian, military, and commercial space operations. Learn more at https://spideroak.com/

Chapters

00:00 Intro & SpiderOak Ad

01:09 The night of the Terran 1 launch

05:11 What went wrong?

10:11 Why not launch Terran 1 again?

15:18 Are investors okay pushing out an orbital proof point?

20:38 Terran R tech specs

29:05 SpiderOak Ad break

29:52 Milestones for Terran R

34:31 Terran Rs manufacturing cadence at scale

37:46 Terran R R&D costs (vs Falcon 9)

46:13 3D printing the Terran R

51:34 The future of 3D printing

58:32 Relativitys marketing strategy

01:09:53 Heavier than Terran R

01:14:48 Relativity & Mars

01:15:22 Tims favorite musical artists

Link:

Evolution of Terran R, with Tim Ellis (Relativity Space) - Payload