As a young intern at Blue Origin rocket company, Tim Ellis was surprised at the disinterest of his coworkers about the potential 3D printing technology had. With his unique position and interest Tim started the company’s 3D printing division and could see more clearly than the other engineers how 3D printing could bring revolutionary developments to the space flight industry. He brought up his ideas to Jeff Bezos, and even though Bezos agreed with Tim’s vision, Blue Origin itself wouldn’t be interested in taking further advantage of it. Tim realized he would have to strike off on his own to realize his vision. At age 22 he teamed up with a friend from college and together they founded Relativity Space, the first 3D printed rocket company.

Relativity Space’s mission is simple, building the future faster. Their website says, “We design and manufacture cost-effective, high-performance, and reusable rockets at an unprecedented pace and scale – setting a new industry standard.” Tim Ellis utilizes 3D printing technology to quickly make new parts as well as iterate on old designs to make better parts which allows for rapid innovation. The rocket parts they print are sturdier because they are made all in one piece without joints and other weak points rockets made with traditional processes have. Relativity’s rockets are not only reusable but, because of the 3D printing technology, can be made much quicker than traditional rockets. Tim Ellis has successfully leveraged the potential of 3D printing technology to make a rocket company capable of advancing the space industry to new heights.

I find Tim’s story particularly interesting because he gained inspiration from his work experience. He saw something that he was deeply interested in, 3D printing, not getting the attention it deserved and decided to give it that attention himself. He was motivated by his position that allowed him to see 3D printing’s true value and with his expertise he was able to transform his interests of 3D printing and space flight into one successful company. I want to approach every future internship I have as if it’s an opportunity to find a field for entrepreneurial innovation.