Satellite operator Intelsat has signed a multi-year, multi-launch agreement with Relativity Space for the Terran R reusable launch vehicle under development.

The agreement will enable Intelsat to launch its satellites using Relativity Space's Terran R vehicle starting in 2026. The partnership was formed due to the growing demand for launch capacity and the lack of competition in the heavy-lift payload class. Terran R, which can carry up to 5,500 kg to geostationary transfer orbit, is expected to meet this demand and provide a customer-focused solution.

Analyst QuickTake : Terran R has been in development for some time. In April, Relativity Space revealed its decision to discontinue its smaller launch vehicle, Terran 1, to focus entirely on the larger vehicle. This strategic shift mirrors the evolving launch market dynamics. Customers can now opt for launching single satellites using cost-effective rideshare missions or aim to deploy mega-constellations composed of thousands of satellites, necessitating rockets with high payload capacity.