March 2026 Company Update
March brought continued progress across the Terran R program, with key milestones across design, manufacturing, testing, and launch preparations.
Design
This month, the team released 2,207 flight parts, with a continued focus on completing the stage one shipping assembly. Work remains centered on releasing the remaining avionics, fluids, and structural components.
Build
Integration is in full swing across Terran R’s primary structures. On the second stage tank, anti-vortex devices and the common dome baffle have been installed. Mechanical assembly of both the fuel and liquid oxygen (LOX) tanks has also been completed, with the LOX lid, thrust cone, and headband now installed. The headband extends the dome skirt to provide space for essential fluids and avionics components, while also serving as the structural interface between the payload assembly and the vehicle.
In parallel, all stage two hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) avionics boxes are now ready. This ensures flight hardware is verified ahead of installation and enables software testing in advance of vehicle deployment.
The stage one downcomer has been fully welded and has begun acceptance testing. Work on the dedicated qualification unit is advancing in parallel, with barrel sections being painted and joined on the circumferential friction stir welder (CFSW). Stringer and joiner operations are also underway, supporting ongoing integration milestones.
On the thrust structure, all internal trays have been installed, and a leak check was conducted on the outer ring, moving the team closer to engine integration.
In propulsion, additional first stage Aeon R flight engines were manufactured, assembled, and shipped. Dozens of first and second stage components and internally designed valves were produced and successfully completed testing campaigns.
Alongside flight production, the team continues to focus on scaling manufacturing capacity to support Terran R’s ramp-up. A second CFSW has been installed, enabling simultaneous stage builds, while the horizontal friction stir welder (HFSW) is now online and producing stringer to panel sub-weldments for future flight hardware, a key milestone in panel production capability. Machine shop expansion is also underway, with additional CNC machines and powder bed fusion printers coming online to increase capacity and streamline operations.
Test
At NASA Stennis, acceptance testing of Aeon R first stage engines continues. Once engines pass acceptance, they are shipped back to Long Beach in preparation for stage integration. In parallel, Aeon V second stage engine testing is ongoing, including a 526.5-second endurance demonstration. At the nearby hangar, construction of the roof structure has been completed, and sheeting installation is now underway.
On the A2 stage test stand, installation of the live ring lift is complete, with fluid lines now being machined and routed. Work on the flume continues, and platforms for improved serviceability have arrived on-site.
Back in Long Beach, initial thrust vector control actuator (TVCA) development is complete, with flight production now underway and ramping.
Launch
At LC-16, site progress continues across multiple key systems. Diverter piping, designed to channel exhaust gases away from the pad, is currently under fabrication. The transporter-erector’s upper strongback has been unloaded and is undergoing outfitting, while the first set of rails, which will guide movement between the horizontal integration facility (HIF) and the launch pad, has been installed.
Work has also begun to lift the water tower, now reaching 180 feet (54.9 meters), and concrete has been poured for the lightning protection system pile cap. Steel erection for the pad structure is underway, and two 246,000-gallon (931,211 liter) liquid natural gas tanks have been delivered and installed to provide densified propellant for the stages.
This month’s progress brings the Terran R program closer to its first flight, marking another step toward a new era of launch capability.