Key Takeaways
- Second stage tank passed structural tests
- First stage tank welding is now complete
- Aeon engine testing campaigns advance rapidly
Update for November 2025
Relativity Space released its company update for November 2025, detailing significant technical progress across the Terran R program. The update highlights the completion of major structural milestones, advancements in propulsion testing, and substantial infrastructure upgrades at the launch site. With Eric Schmidt now leading as CEO, the company continues to execute its development roadmap, targeting a maiden flight in late 2026. This article examines the specific achievements outlined in the update, placing them within the broader context of the company’s shift toward a hybrid manufacturing approach and its commercial momentum.
Structural Validation and Tank Acceptance
The November 2025 update confirms that the Terran R program has moved firmly from the design phase into physical production and validation. A primary highlight is the successful structural acceptance testing of the second stage tank. This component serves as the upper portion of the rocket, responsible for carrying payloads to their final orbit after stage separation.
Acceptance testing involves subjecting the hardware to loads and pressures that simulate the harsh environment of flight. Passing this test validates the manufacturing quality and the structural integrity of the tank. For a vehicle built to be a medium-to-heavy lift launcher, the second stage must balance extreme lightness with the strength to hold cryogenic propellants under high acceleration. The successful completion of this test signals that the manufacturing processes for the upper stage are mature and ready for flight-article production.
Simultaneously, the company reported the completion of all circumferential welds on the first stage tank. The first stage of Terran R is a massive structure, and its assembly requires precise joining of large metallic sections. Circumferential welds connect the barrel sections and domes that make up the propellant tanks. The integrity of these welds is vital, as they must withstand the immense internal pressure of liquid oxygen and liquid methane, as well as the aerodynamic stresses of launch and reentry.
The completion of these welds marks a visible transition in Relativity Space’s manufacturing philosophy. While the company initially pioneered large-scale 3D printing, the Terran R utilizes a hybrid approach. This method combines 3D-printed components with traditional high-strength aluminum alloy structures for the large tanks. The progress reported in November demonstrates that the integration of these manufacturing techniques is proceeding according to schedule, allowing for rapid assembly of the primary airframe.
Propulsion Development: Aeon R and Aeon V
Propulsion remains a central focus of the development timeline, and the November update details progress on both the first-stage and second-stage engines. Terran R is powered by Aeon R engines on the first stage and a single Aeon V (Vacuum) engine on the second stage. Both engine variants use liquid natural gas (methane) and liquid oxygen, a propellant combination chosen for its performance and suitability for reuse.
The update notes that the Aeon V development campaign is active. Vacuum engines differ from sea-level engines as they feature a much larger nozzle extension to optimize thrust in the void of space. Testing these engines requires specialized facilities that can simulate altitude conditions. The data gathered from these tests informs the final flight configuration, ensuring the engine can deliver the specific impulse necessary to place heavy payloads, such as the satellites from the recently expanded SES agreement, into precise orbits.
On the first stage, the Aeon R acceptance test campaigns are in progress. Acceptance testing for engines is the final check before an engine is cleared for integration into the rocket. It involves hot-firing the engine to verify it meets all performance specifications regarding thrust, pressure, and thermal stability. The fact that Aeon R engines are moving through acceptance testing suggests that the company is building up the stock of engines required for the first flight vehicle. The Terran R first stage utilizes 13 of these engines, requiring a high production cadence to support the launch manifest.
Infrastructure Upgrades at Cape Canaveral
Launch infrastructure is often as complex as the rocket itself. Relativity Space operates out of Launch Complex 16 (LC-16) at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The November update outlines specific upgrades to this site to support the larger, more powerful Terran R vehicle.
One specific installation mentioned is the placement of the water tower tank. Sound suppression systems at the launch pad rely on massive volumes of water dumped onto the pad during liftoff. This water absorbs the acoustic energy and thermal shock generated by the rocket engines, protecting both the vehicle and the ground support equipment. The installation of the water tower is a visible indicator that the pad is being prepped for the immense power of the 13 Aeon R engines.
Additionally, the update covers the installation of the Liquid Oxygen (LOX) farm. This facility stores the oxidizer used by the rocket. For a heavy-lift vehicle, the volume of propellant required is significant. The LOX farm must be capable of storing, chilling, and rapidly pumping super-cooled liquid oxygen into the rocket during the countdown. The progress on these ground systems parallels the vehicle hardware progress, ensuring that the launch site will be operational when the rocket arrives for testing.
Aerodynamics and Wind Tunnel Testing
A less visible but equally necessary aspect of development detailed in the update is aerodynamic testing. The company shared results from wind-tunnel tests focused on the first stage entry aerodynamics.
Because the Terran R is designed to be reusable, its first stage does not simply fall into the ocean. It must re-enter the atmosphere and perform a controlled landing. This requires a deep understanding of how air flows over the rocket body as it travels backwards at hypersonic and supersonic speeds. Wind tunnel data helps engineers refine the guidance algorithms and control surfaces (grid fins) that steer the vehicle during its descent. Validating these models reduces the risk associated with the recovery phase of the flight.
Commercial Context and Backlog
While the “November 2025 Company Update” focuses heavily on technical achievements, these milestones serve a growing commercial backlog. Just prior to this update, on November 12, 2025, Relativity Space and SES announced an expansion of their multi-launch agreement. This deal highlights the market demand for the Terran R class of launch vehicle.
The commercial satellite market requires reliable scheduling and performance. The technical wins in November – structural validation, welding completion, and infrastructure build-out – provide assurance to customers like SES and Iridium that the vehicle is on track for its service introduction. The shift to a hybrid manufacturing model appears to be paying dividends in terms of schedule predictability, addressing the industry-wide need for increased launch capacity.
Summary
The November 2025 update from Relativity Space portrays a program that is advancing across multiple fronts. With the second stage tank passing acceptance and the first stage welding complete, the primary structures of the first Terran R flight vehicle are taking shape. Propulsion testing for both Aeon R and Aeon V continues to validate the engine designs, while the physical transformation of Launch Complex 16 prepares the ground for future operations. Under the leadership of Eric Schmidt, the company is systematically checking off the requirements for its targeted 2026 debut, supported by a robust commercial backlog and a refined manufacturing strategy.
Appendix: Top 10 Questions Answered in This Article
What was the major structural milestone for the second stage mentioned in the update?
The second stage tank successfully passed structural acceptance testing. This process subjects the hardware to simulated flight loads to verify its strength and integrity before it is cleared for flight use.
What progress was reported regarding the first stage of Terran R?
The company completed all circumferential welds on the first stage tank. This step finishes the joining of the large barrel sections and domes that make up the primary fuel and oxidizer tanks for the booster.
Which engine variants are currently undergoing testing?
Both the Aeon R and Aeon V engines are in active testing campaigns. The Aeon R is the first-stage engine, while the Aeon V is the vacuum-optimized variant designed for the second stage.
What specific upgrades were installed at Launch Complex 16?
The update highlighted the placement of a water tower tank and the installation of the Liquid Oxygen (LOX) farm. These components are essential for the sound suppression system and the propellant loading operations required for launch.
Who is currently leading Relativity Space as CEO?
Eric Schmidt is the current CEO of Relativity Space. He took over the role earlier in 2025 and is overseeing the company’s push toward the launch of Terran R.
When is the Terran R rocket expected to launch?
The company is targeting a first flight in late 2026. The milestones achieved in November 2025 are part of the schedule to meet this launch window.
What commercial agreement was expanded in November 2025?
Relativity Space expanded its multi-launch agreement with SES on November 12, 2025. This deal adds more launches to the manifest, confirming customer confidence in the vehicle’s development.
What is the significance of the wind tunnel tests mentioned?
The wind tunnel tests focused on the first stage entry aerodynamics. This data is essential for programming the flight control systems that will guide the reusable booster back to Earth for landing.
How is Terran R manufactured?
The rocket uses a hybrid manufacturing approach. This combines the company’s signature 3D-printing technology for complex parts with traditional high-strength aluminum alloy structures for the large propellant tanks.
What is the function of the water tower at the launch site?
The water tower stores the massive amount of water used for the sound suppression system during liftoff. This water protects the launch pad and the rocket from the intense acoustic energy and heat generated by the engines.
Appendix: Top 10 Frequently Searched Questions Answered in This Article
What is the release date of the Terran R rocket?
The Terran R is currently scheduled to make its debut flight in late 2026. The November 2025 update indicates that production and testing are proceeding to support this timeline.
Who is the CEO of Relativity Space in 2025?
Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, serves as the CEO of Relativity Space. He assumed the position in March 2025 to guide the company through the Terran R development phase.
Is Relativity Space still 3D printing their rockets?
Yes, but the strategy has evolved into a hybrid model. While they still use 3D printing for engines and complex subsystems, the large tank structures of the Terran R are built using aluminum alloys and traditional welding techniques.
What happened to the Terran 1 rocket?
Relativity Space retired the Terran 1 program to focus all resources on the larger Terran R. The company shifted its focus to the medium-to-heavy lift market where demand is higher.
Where will Terran R launch from?
The rocket will launch from Launch Complex 16 (LC-16) at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The company is actively upgrading this site with new propellant farms and support structures.
How many engines does the Terran R have?
The first stage of the Terran R is powered by 13 Aeon R engines. The second stage uses a single Aeon V vacuum engine optimized for space operations.
Is the Terran R reusable?
Yes, the first stage of the Terran R is designed to be fully reusable. It will perform a controlled entry and landing after separating from the second stage.
What customers have signed up for Terran R launches?
Major customers include SES, Iridium, and OneWeb. The backlog for the rocket is valued in the billions, reflecting strong commercial interest.
What fuel does the Aeon R engine use?
The Aeon R engines use a propellant mixture of liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid natural gas (methane). This combination is clean-burning, which is advantageous for engine reusability.
What is the payload capacity of Terran R?
The Terran R is designed to lift up to 23,500 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in a reusable configuration. In an expendable configuration, the capacity increases to approximately 33,500 kg.
