Relativity Space is targeting March 8th, 2023, at 1:00 pm EST for the inaugural launch of its Terran 1 small lift vehicle. It will be a test launch with a dummy payload to low Earth orbit.
It is the first rocket system to be completely manufactured using 3D printing. Unlike Falcon 9 which burns RP1 and LOX, Terran 1 will burn liquid methane and LOX.
Terran 1 will go from historic Launch Complex 16 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. LC-16 was first used in December 1959 for the Titan I ballistic missile and later for the Titan II. After the last Titan launch from LC-16, the pad was used by NASA for Gemini Crew processing and later for static tests of the Apollo Service Module propulsion system. It was used by the Air Force for launches of Pershing 1, 1a and 2 Missiles between 1974 and 1989. It has been out of service since 1989.
Interestingly, the original blockhouse still exists and I believe it has not been disturbed by Relativity Space. It has not been used since the Titan launches and will not be used for Terran Launches. The rest of the launch complex, including what is left of the concrete launch pad has been reconstructed.
The Terran 1 vehicle is not fully reusable. The upgraded medium lift Terran R vehicle, when it debuts, will feature grid fins and will land in a similar manner to the Falcon 9 booster.
