Relativity Space is developing Terran R, a fully reusable, two-stage launch vehicle designed to provide reliable, routine, and cost-effective access to space for commercial, government and scientific missions. Optimized for the growing Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation market while supporting missions beyond LEO, Terran R is intended to expand launch capacity for next-generation communications, Earth observation, exploration and research payloads. The vehicle is currently in progress for its launch from Launch Complex 16 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

Terran R measures 86.6 m (284 ft) in height with a 5.4 m (17.7 ft) diameter, including its payload fairing. The launch vehicle generates approximately 3.5 million pounds-force (15.56 MN) of liftoff thrust and is designed to deliver up to 23500 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in its reusable downrange landing configuration, 5,500 kg to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), or 33500 kg to LEO when flown in an expendable configuration. These capabilities position the vehicle to support a broad range of dedicated satellite deployment and exploration missions.

The propulsion system consists of 13 Aeon R engines powering the reusable first stage and a single Aeon V vacuum engine on the second stage. Both engines utilize liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid methane propellants with a high-pressure gas generator cycle to maximize performance, efficiency, and operational reliability. Each Aeon R engine produces approximately 269,000 lbf of sea-level thrust, while the Aeon V engine delivers around 323000 lbf of vacuum thrust. Relativity Space notes that the Aeon R engine progressed from design to qualification in just 14 months, demonstrating rapid propulsion development.

A major feature of Terran R is its reusable architecture combined with cost-effective manufacturing. The launch vehicle is constructed using high-strength aluminum alloys that are designed to provide competitive launch economics while supporting large payload capacities and repeated flight operations. The payload fairing accommodates a wide range of mission configurations, including single ESPA Grande payloads, dual ESPA deployments and multi-CubeSat rideshare missions, while a flight-proven thermal protection system safeguards spacecraft until fairing separation during ascent.

Terran R is designed to improve launch availability for customers requiring dedicated access to specific orbital destinations without relying on rideshare opportunities. The vehicle supports rapid deployment of satellite constellations and enables spacecraft to reach custom orbital parameters more quickly. Terran R has already secured more than US$3 billion in launch service agreements with government, commercial and telecommunications customers, reflecting strong demand for its reusable launch capabilities.

By combining full first-stage reusability, methane-fueled propulsion, high payload capacity and scalable launch operations, Terran R is designed to support the next generation of commercial satellite constellations, scientific exploration and deep-space missions. Relativity Space aims to make access to space more reliable and routine while enabling future innovation across Earth orbit and beyond.

About Relativity Space

Relativity Space is a U.S.-based aerospace company headquartered in Long Beach, California. The company develops reusable launch vehicles and advanced aerospace manufacturing technologies to expand access to space. Its flagship launch system, Terran R, is designed to support commercial, government, scientific and exploration missions through reusable rocket technology, advanced propulsion systems and efficient launch operations.

Click here to learn more about Relativity Space's Terran R