3D-printed rocket launch debut ends in failure and no orbit

A rocket made almost entirely of 3D-printed parts made its launch debut on Wednesday night, lifting off amid fanfare but failing three minutes into flight — far short of orbit.

There was nothing aboard Relativity Space’s test flight except for the company’s first metal 3D print made six years ago.

The start-up wanted to put the souvenir into a 200-kilometre-high orbit for several days before having it plunge through the atmosphere and burn up along with the upper stage of the rocket.

As it turned out, the first stage did its job following lift-off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and separated as planned. But the upper stage appeared to ignite and then shut down, sending it crashing into the Atlantic Ocean.

It was the third launch attempt from what once was a missile site. Relativity Space came within a half-second of blasting off earlier this month, with the rocket's engines igniting before abruptly shutting down.

Although the upper stage malfunctioned and the mission did not reach orbit, “maiden launches are always exciting and today's flight was no exception”, Relativity Space launch commentator Arwa Tizani Kelly said after Wednesday's launch.

Most of the 33-metre rocket, including its engines, came out of the company’s huge 3D printers in Long Beach, California.

Relativity Space said 3D-printed metal parts made up 85 per cent of the rocket, named Terran. Larger versions of the rocket will have even more and also be reusable for several flights.

Other space companies also rely on 3D-printing, but the pieces make up only a small part of their rockets.

Founded in 2015 by a pair of young aerospace engineers, Relativity Space has attracted the attention of investors and venture capitalists.

The launch of the world's first 3D-printed rocket, the Terran 1, is scheduled for Saturday, March 11. AFP
The rocket, made by a company called Relativity Space, is rolled out to the launch pad at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, in Florida. Reuters
Liftoff of the rocket had been scheduled for March 8, but was postponed at the last minute because of propellant temperature issues. AFP
The Terran 1 rocket on the launch pad, at Launch Complex 16, in Cape Canaveral. AFP
The rocket is set to reach low Earth orbit eight minutes after blast-off, to gather data and demonstrate that it can withstand the rigours of liftoff and space flight. Reuters
If the rocket manages to attain low Earth orbit, it will be the first privately-funded vehicle using methane fuel to do so on its first try, according to Relativity. AP

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

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Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.

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Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.

8. Pillar 2 implementation

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

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10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

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