Thailand’s mu Space orders 3D launch
April 25, 2019
By Chris Forrester
Described as a local innovator and disruptor, Thai-based mu Space has signed a partnership with Relativity to launch a small Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite on Relativity’s Terran 1 rocket.
What’s unusual with Relativity is that they claim world leadership in 3D printing of components for their rockets using the world’s largest 3D printer. Relativity say they can cut the number of components used by hundreds of items, and also build a rocket in a matter of days, not months or years.
The end result, says California-based Relativity, is a lower cost per launch than any of their rivals. They say that Terran 1 could be built in less than 60 days.
The customer, mu Space, is looking to enter both the geostationary and LEO market in the Asia-Pacific region. This particular relationship will see their new LEO craft launched in 2022.
“mu Space is accelerating space technology development in Asia, and we consider the moon as the next explorable body in space beyond Earth,” said James Yenbamroong, CEO and founder of mu Space. “Relativity has the vision, team, and technology to deliver exceptional advantages in launching mu Space’s payloads, and supporting our goal of creating an interplanetary society in the future.”
Relativity already have another important LEO contract under its belt with Canada’s Telesat. It has also secured a launch site at Florida’s Cape Canaveral from the US Air Force (Pad-16).
Relativity is funded by, amongst others, Mark Cuban, owner of the NBA Dallas Mavericks franchise and co-host/investor on ABC’s ‘Shark Tank’ reality TV show.