Relativity Space inks deals for California launch pad, Iridium satellite launches
They'll use the new 3D-printed Terran rocket.
Relativity Space has signed agreements for a new launch site in California and a new customer, Iridium, for satellite flights from the new pad.
The small-satellite launch startup, founded by SpaceX and Blue Origin alums, is focused on designing 3D-printed rockets that are simpler than rockets from their competitors and that the company can cheaply and easily prepare. Relativity Space's first launch, which will send off a 95-foot-tall (29 meters) rocket called Terran, is currently set to lift off next year at the earliest.
Related: Relativity Space will 3D-print rockets at new autonomous factory
The startup's headquarters is in Long Beach, California, following a recent move from Los Angeles. Now, the company will have a launch site nearby.
Relativity Space had already made the arrangements necessary to launch from a pad at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Now, the company is adding access at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. That launch site is crucial for satellites that orbit Earth from pole to pole and that track the sun's apparent movement across Earth's surface.
"We're honored to begin this partnership with the 30th Space Wing and join the exclusive group of private space companies able to conduct launches at Vandenberg," Tim Ellis, CEO of Relativity Space, said in a statement.
The company has also booked a new customer, Iridium's Next communications satellite constellation, which requires the polar orbit reachable from Vandenberg. This agreement covers up to six Iridium launches of ground spares in the communications constellation, beginning no earlier than 2023. The launches would be scheduled to meet Iridium's constellation needs.
Get the Space.com Newsletter
Breaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more!
The main Iridium Next constellation includes 66 operating satellites and nine spares stored in orbit. But if the company finds itself in need of launching its additional spares, stored on Earth, Relativity Space will now be the company to do it.
"It's prudent to have a cost-effective launch option available for future spare delivery," Matt Desch CEO of Iridium, said in a Relativity Space statement. "Relativity's Terran 1 fits our launch needs to [low Earth orbit] well from both a price, responsiveness and capability perspective."
- Relativity Space to launch satellite 'tugs' on 3D-printed rocket
- Relativity Space to launch Thai satellite on 3D-printed rocket
- Video from space: Companies sign deal to launch 1st 'EarthTV' satellite in 2021
Email Meghan Bartels at mbartels@space.com or follow her @meghanbartels. Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook.
OFFER: Save 45% on 'How It Works' 'All About Space' and 'All About History'!
For a limited time, you can take out a digital subscription to any of our best-selling science magazines for just $2.38 per month, or 45% off the standard price for the first three months.
Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: community@space.com.
Meghan is a senior writer at Space.com and has more than five years' experience as a science journalist based in New York City. She joined Space.com in July 2018, with previous writing published in outlets including Newsweek and Audubon. Meghan earned an MA in science journalism from New York University and a BA in classics from Georgetown University, and in her free time she enjoys reading and visiting museums. Follow her on Twitter at @meghanbartels.