May 2025 Company Update
As we close out another month of Terran R development, we’re sharing a look at recent progress across design, build, test, and launch.
Design
In May, we completed an additional 17 component-level critical design reviews (CDR). At this stage of the program, many of the releases are for less complex parts including trays, brackets, and manifolds. These designs are essential to supporting larger assemblies and we’re working to complete them in parallel with thrust structure build.
Build
Production efforts continue to ramp as we advance towards first flight. We used automated drilling to process thousands of holes on the thrust structure panels, an important step in accelerating production. The LOX dome was successfully loaded onto the circumferential friction stir welder (CFSW) in preparation for its second weld, and the stage 2 transfer tube is being welded, bringing us closer to completing the second stage tank. In parallel, hardware for the avionics hub, the network and low power distribution system for Terran R, has been released and is now being built.
Across the factory, new manufacturing infrastructure continues to come online. We completed automated phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) inspection of the first flight circumferential weld, with a second automated PAUT being installed to support stringer inspection on the vertical friction stir welder. The newly installed vertical turning lathe will complete multi-axis work on domes, and a new horizontal friction stir welder is being installed, which will lap weld structural stringers onto Terran R’s first stage panels.
As we continue to execute and scale Terran R production, we’ve brought on Robin Petitprez as Senior Vice President of Manufacturing and Supply Chain. Robin brings over a decade of hands-on experience in rapidly industrializing advanced aerospace and automotive systems at scale, and we are incredibly excited to welcome him to Relativity.
Test
Engine qualification is officially underway – a major milestone in the Terran R program. The Aeon R qualification unit was manufactured at our Long Beach headquarters and shipped to NASA Stennis, where it has since been activated. The campaign started strong with 11 hot fires and a new internal record of 4 hot fires in under 10 working hours. Engine qualification is critical for demonstrating performance and reliability ahead of flight. Propulsion is often one of the longest lead items in rocket development programs, so we’re proud to say that we’re tracking well and expect to wrap up the engine qualification campaign later this summer.
Back in Long Beach, test efforts continue across the program. The team recently completed proof testing of the composite overwrapped pressure vessel (COPV) manifold assembly, validating structural integrity and leak-tightness. On the structural test stand, strut assemblies have been installed to simulate engine loads during upcoming tests. Valve qualification is also progressing, including testing on our in-house shock stand. Looking ahead, we’re already performing development tests for future engine block valve upgrades. We recently completed successful cure and non-destructive testing of our first development panels for the raceway covers. The composite panel, which is representative of the production covers, is now being tested to verify mechanical strength properties and quality.
Launch
Progress continues at LC-16, our launch site at Cape Canaveral. Work on the horizontal integration facility is underway, foundation installation for the water tower has begun, and the east flume wall of the diverter pit is now complete.
As we continue progressing toward Terran R’s first flight, each milestone contributes to a broader objective: establishing the foundation for a scalable, efficient, and repeatable production system. This is a critical step in building the long-term production backbone required to support a high-cadence, commercially viable launch program.