Relativity Space signs Lease for NASA Test Site

Relativity Space, a 3D-printed rocket company, has signed an extended lease agreement (EULA) for the vertical test stand at the A-2 complex of NASA‘s historic Stennis Space Center in Hancock County, Mississippi.

Established in 1960, NASA Stennis is considered the largest and most prestigious propulsion test center in the United States. The A-2 Test Stand was built in 1966 and was originally used to test and certify the second Saturn V stage for the Apollo program. After sitting unused for nearly a decade, Relativity Space now plans to bring state-of-the-art test procedures back to the stand. The company plans to invest $267 million in Stennis by 2027, creating hundreds of new jobs in the region.

“New history is being written at Stennis Space Center as we breathe life into the historic A-2 Test Stand with our Terran R program,” said Tim Ellis, Co-Founder and CEO of Relativity Space. “We appreciate the support from NASA and the state of Mississippi and look forward to continuing to build out our team and testing infrastructure here in the Gulf Coast. The scale of Terran R as a medium-heavy lift reusable launch vehicle is substantial. Exclusive access to these rare, national-asset facilities through partnership with NASA uniquely enables Relativity to develop a world-class launch vehicle. Together with our significant private capital commitments to reinvigorate these facilities, we are building innovative capabilities to solidify America’s leadership in space.”

The company plans to use the A-2 Booth for vertical first-stage testing of its reusable 3D-printed rocket, Terran R. With this infrastructure, Relativity hopes to accelerate the pace of testing to shorten time to market. With existing infrastructure and convenient channel access, NASA Stennis provides an ideal test site.

“We applaud Relativity Space in announcing this expanded agreement. Since arriving on site in 2016, the company has grown into a valued member of the NASA Stennis community,” said Dr. Rick Gilbrech, Director of NASA’s Stennis Space 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. We look forward to an ongoing relationship with Relativity team members as they work to achieve their space goals.”

Upgrades to Relativity will soon allow the A-2 Test Stand to handle thrust forces in excess of 3.3 million pounds. This puts the site back at the center of the U.S. commercial space program.

“Mississippi’s economy is growing stronger every day thanks to Stennis Space Center and companies like Relativity,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “Our state is at the forefront of innovation, and we are helping to lead the way in commercial space technology. Congratulations to Relativity on this historic groundbreaking.”

“This investment in Stennis Space Center shows that the road to space still goes through Hancock County, Mississippi,” said Senator Roger Wicker. “Our state is a leader in innovation and research, and this announcement is a testament to the work that occurs here. I appreciate the partnership of companies like Relativity Space who are helping Mississippi stay at the leading edge.”

“The A-2 test stand at Stennis Space Center has a long and storied history as part of the U.S. space program, and the agreement with Relativity Space will extend that record,” said Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith. “I look forward to seeing how this lease with NASA will build on Mississippi’s reputation as being home to cutting edge rocket and engine development.”

“The partnership between Relativity and Stennis Space Center has brought great jobs to our state while continuing South Mississippi’s legacy of spaceflight innovation,” said Congressman Mike Ezell. “I congratulate both Relativity and Stennis on the expansion of the partnership, and I’m excited to see what the future holds.”