Momentus Inc. revealed that it has produced a fuel tank using additive manufacturing in partnership with Velo3D. The tank, fabricated with Velo3D’s advanced metal 3‑D‑printing technology, will be flown on the company’s Vigoride‑7 Orbital Service Vehicle. The two firms signed a five‑year Master Services Agreement valued at $15 million, giving Momentus exclusive access to Velo3D’s technology for future missions and potential commercial sales.
The Vigoride‑7 vehicle is scheduled to launch in March 2026 aboard SpaceX’s Transporter‑16 mission. The flight test will be the first in‑space validation of a 3‑D‑printed propellant container, a milestone that could demonstrate the feasibility of additive manufacturing for critical spacecraft components and set a new standard for future vehicle designs.
By integrating additive manufacturing into its supply chain, Momentus aims to cut production timelines, lower manufacturing costs, and increase design flexibility. The ability to produce complex geometries that are difficult or impossible with conventional methods could reduce the weight and volume of fuel tanks, improve performance, and open new revenue streams if the technology is commercialized for other customers. The partnership also positions Momentus ahead of competitors that rely solely on traditional fabrication, potentially strengthening its competitive advantage in the growing in‑space transportation market.
CEO John Rood said, “Testing an additively manufactured fuel tank on Vigoride‑7 is a major achievement for Momentus and a testament to the strength of our partnership with Velo3D. Additive manufacturing opens new possibilities for spacecraft design and production, and this successful demonstration paves the way for broader adoption across our future missions.” Velo3D CEO Arun Jeldi added, “Momentus is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space transportation, and we’re proud to support their vision with our technology.”
Investors reacted strongly to the announcement, reflecting confidence in Momentus’s technological progress and the potential for cost savings and new revenue opportunities.
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