Relativity Space, a company focused on developing reusable launch vehicles, has announced an expanded agreement with satellite operator SES. The agreement, revealed on November 12, involves a "multi-year, multi-launch" commitment for Relativity’s Terran R rocket to deploy SES satellites. This extended contract includes launches not previously disclosed. Specific details regarding the number of launches, the timeline, or the financial terms were not released by either company.
Previously, in 2023, Intelsat announced a contract with Relativity for several Terran R launches, slated to begin potentially as early as 2026. Following SES’s acquisition of Intelsat in July, this new deal marks the first significant business update from Relativity since Eric Schmidt took over as chief executive in March. This leadership change coincided with reports of Schmidt's substantial investment in the company.
Relativity has been providing updates on the development of Terran R, which features a reusable first stage. This rocket is designed to carry 23,500 kilograms into low Earth orbit or 5,500 kilograms into geostationary transfer orbit, with increased performance when the first stage is expendable. The company is targeting the first launch for late 2026 from Cape Canaveral.
Initially, Relativity distinguished itself by employing extensive 3D-printing in the manufacturing of its smaller Terran 1 rocket. Following a single unsuccessful test flight in 2023, the company shifted its focus to Terran R while incorporating more conventional manufacturing techniques for various components. While still invested in 3D-printing, the company has changed its strategic application. It recently announced Horizon Manufacturing Technologies, a division leveraging Relativity’s additive manufacturing expertise for broader industrial uses. “Horizon is pushing the boundaries of advanced manufacturing for aerospace and beyond, turning a bold technical foundation into a platform for reshaping industries,” the company stated.
Relativity has also created the “Dark Matter Lab,” which is described as an “innovation lab designed for rapid experimentation.”
Schmidt's public comments about his plans for Relativity have been limited since becoming CEO. Regarding the SES contract, he stated, “Broad access to orbit enables the breakthroughs that will shape our future...these launches with SES represent part of a larger effort to drive innovation.”
For SES, this expanded collaboration with Relativity Space aligns with its strategy of engaging with newer players in the space industry. SES was an early adopter of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and the first to use a reused Falcon 9 booster. Recently, in May, SES contracted with Impulse Space to utilize its Helios transfer vehicle to move an SES satellite from low Earth orbit to geostationary orbit by 2027. Impulse cited SES as its first commercial customer for Helios. “SES is committed to working with an ecosystem of ‘new space’ innovators to evolve our network,” said Adel Al-Saleh, SES chief executive. “Deepening our collaboration with Relativity Space and Terran R demonstrates that commitment."