Relativity Space Expands NASA Stennis Ops With Historic Test Stand Lease

Relativity Space has officially announced a strategic agreement with NASA's Stennis Space Center to lease the historic A-2 test stand. The Apollo era test stand is set to be used in a significant role in the development of Relativity Space's Terran R rocket.

Relativity Space will invest $2.76 million to lease the A-2 test stand for an initial period of seven years, with an option to extend the lease for an additional ten years. This landmark agreement underscores the company's commitment to leveraging the extensive resources and expertise available at the Stennis Space Center for their cutting-edge projects.

The A-2 test stand, originally constructed in the 1960s, played a vital role in testing the second stage of the Saturn V rocket and later the Space Shuttle Main Engines during the Space Shuttle program.

Credit: NASA

After brief usage in testing the J-2X engine for NASA's Constellation program's Ares rockets, the A-2 test stand was mothballed nearly a decade ago.

Relativity Space has ambitious plans to refurbish and repurpose the A-2 test stand, with the primary objective of supporting the vertical testing of the reusable first stage of its Terran R rocket.

This refurbishment will empower the A-2 test stand to handle an increased engine thrust capacity, soaring from 650,000 to a formidable 3.3 million pounds-force. As a result, Relativity Space anticipates that this facility will expedite the testing process and enable a swifter pace of development for their rocket's first stage.

 "Exclusive access to these rare, national-asset facilities through partnership with NASA uniquely enables Relativity to develop a world-class launch vehicle." - Tim Ellis, Chief Executive of Relativity Space

 The collaboration between Relativity Space and NASA signifies the critical role that public-private partnerships play in advancing space technology. Relativity Space has had a longstanding relationship with NASA's Stennis Space Center, utilizing its facilities for engine testing purposes, both for the original Terran 1 small launch vehicle and the larger Terran R rocket. In October 2022, Relativity Space unveiled ambitious expansion plans at Stennis, which include the construction of new test stands, office buildings, and a vehicle hangar.

Although specific figures for the refurbishment of the A-2 test stand were not disclosed, Relativity Space has committed to investing approximately $267 million in developing its facilities at the Stennis Space Center.

With the addition of the A-2 test stand to its footprint at Stennis, Relativity Space now boasts a total area of 298 acres, solidifying its status as the largest commercial tenant at the center.

"This increased footprint is a testament to Relativity’s continued progress in the commercial space arena. It also is a testament to the value of NASA Stennis and our test complex infrastructure in supporting commercial space endeavors." - Rick Gilbrech, Director of Stennis

This expansion comes on the heels of Relativity Space's strategic decision in April to retire its Terran 1 rocket after an unsuccessful launch in March that failed to reach orbit. The company has since redirected its focus and resources towards the Terran R, a medium- to heavy-lift vehicle featuring a reusable first stage.

The Terran R is projected to make its maiden launch as early as 2026.