Does the world need a 3D-printed rocket?

Relativity Space, a well-funded startup, is going all-in on additive manufacturing. But it could be too much of a good thing, writes Erin Winick.

Lofty goals: The company is attempting to create 95% of its rocket, Terran 1, using 3D printing, in just 60 days. It’s a hugely audacious aim. 3D printing is having a moment in the spaceflight industry, but insiders don’t know whether Relativity is bold, or just crazy. The company plans to do a test launch in 2020, but they haven’t even printed a whole rocket yet.

An added challenge: Before they can 3D print the rocket, they need to create printers up to the task—and that’s a big ask.

All in: Despite all the challenges, Relativity is not short of backers. It has closed a $35 million series B funding round, scored a deal with NASA to test its engineers, and received permission to launch at one of the most competitive launch sites in the world: Florida’s Cape Canaveral. Read the full story here.