Relativity Space Accelerates Mars Ambitions with $500M Series D Funding
Los Angeles-based aerospace startup Relativity Space has secured a monumental $500 million in Series D funding, led by Tiger Global Management. The round included participation from prominent investors like Fidelity Management, Baillie Gifford, and General Catalyst, bringing the company’s total funding to nearly $700 million. This injection of capital propels Relativity toward its 2025 goal of launching the world’s first fully 3D-printed orbital rocket.
Why This Funding Matters
- Valuation surge: The round values Relativity at $2.3 billion, reflecting strong investor confidence in its disruptive manufacturing tech.
- Mars industrialization: CEO Tim Ellis highlighted long-term applications for sustainable operations on Mars.
- Government contracts: The company recently won a NASA Tipping Point contract to develop cryogenic fluid management systems for Lockheed Martin.
Relativity’s Competitive Edge
Autonomous 3D-Printed Rocket Manufacturing
Relativity’s patented Stargate printers—the largest metal 3D printers on Earth—enable:
- 90% fewer parts than traditional rockets
- 60-day production timelines (vs. years for conventional methods)
- COVID-resilient operations due to minimal human intervention
The company’s new 120,000 sq ft Long Beach facility became operational in 2020, housing third-generation Stargate systems.
The Road Ahead: From Earth to Mars
While initially focused on terrestrial launches, Relativity’s technology has broader implications:
- Near-term: Debut orbital launch in 2025
- Mid-term: Expansion into large-scale metal manufacturing for other industries
- Long-term: Infrastructure development for Martian colonies
“Our printers could revolutionize how humanity builds beyond Earth,” Ellis noted in earlier interviews. As 3D printing costs decline, applications could extend to energy, transportation, and construction sectors.
Industry Impact
Relativity’s success signals a paradigm shift in aerospace manufacturing:
- Disrupting supply chains: 3D printing reduces reliance on thousands of suppliers
- Sustainability: On-demand production minimizes material waste
- Scalability: Technology adaptable for lunar/Martian resource utilization
With this funding, Relativity is poised to challenge aerospace incumbents while advancing the vision of interplanetary industrialization.
