Relativity Space, a California-based space travel and space launch company engaged in the design, 3D printing, and flying of its own rockets, unveiled a next-generation proprietary 3D printing platform–Stargate 4th generation 3D printers–expected to increase the rate of production and development of Terran R, its fully reusable, 3D-printed rocket capable of launching 20,000kg to low Earth orbit.

The new platform boasts of increased printing speed (up to 7 times faster than previous generations), increased size capacity, reduction in start time and costs, most consistent and reliable output, and improved print quality and efficiency among other features.

Running at full capacity, the new platform is forecasted to print 4 Terran R rockets per year at Relativity’s headquarters named “The Wormhole”, in Longbeach, California. The Wormhole development is expected to occur in phases with more printers being added as Terran R production reaches scale.

The company is also working with an undisclosed nuclear fusion company to provide 3D printing capabilities for fusion reactor parts.

Analyst QuickTake: While the development of its Terran R is ongoing, Relativity is also preparing for the first launch of Terran 1 in 2022 making it the first orbital attempt by the company. Terran 1, a two-stage, 110ft. tall, expendable rocket, is the largest 3D-printed object to attempt orbital flight. Further, the company entered into an agreement with NASA’s Stennis Space Center last week , for a major expansion of its rocket and engine testing facilities in Hancock County, Mississippi, providing expanded room for its operations for the Terran R rocket and Aeon R engine testing. Relativity has already secured five customers across over USD 1.2 billion in customer contracts for Terran R, to date.