Momentus, a U.S.-based provider of in-space transportation and infrastructure services, has completed the development of a 3D printed fuel tank that will undergo flight testing aboard its Vigoride-7 Orbital Service Vehicle. The component was produced in collaboration with Velo3D, a provider of metal additive manufacturing systems. The project demonstrates how additive manufacturing can shorten production timelines, enable complex geometries, and offer new design flexibility for spacecraft components operating in extreme environments.
“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,” said John Rood, Chief Executive Officer of Momentus. “Additive manufacturing opens new possibilities for spacecraft design and production, and this successful demonstration paves the way for broader adoption across our future missions.”
Manufacturing Approach and Design Advantages
Designed by Momentus and fabricated using Velo3D’s metal additive manufacturing platform, the fuel tank incorporates features that would be difficult to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods. Momentus noted that the experience supports its plans to offer space-qualified fuel tanks as a commercial product—an area historically associated with high costs and long lead times.
“Momentus is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space transportation, and we’re proud to support their vision with our technology,” said Arun Jeldi, CEO of Velo3D. “Our additive manufacturing platform enables aerospace innovators to design without compromise, and this fuel tank is a perfect example of how advanced manufacturing can deliver performance and reliability in space.”
Expanding the Role of 3D Printing in Space Systems
The Momentus Vigoride-7 fuel tank underscores a growing trend: additive manufacturing is becoming a cornerstone of next-generation spacecraft design. Similar initiatives are advancing other aspects of spacecraft technology. 3D Systems, through its Application Innovation Group (AIG), is partnering with researchers at Penn State University (PSU), Arizona State University (ASU), and NASA Glenn Research Center to develop advanced thermal management systems. These NASA-supported projects leverage 3D Systems’ Direct Metal Printing (DMP) technology along with Oqton’s 3DXpert software to produce high-performance radiators and heat pipes from titanium and nickel-titanium alloys, reducing weight and simplifying manufacturing compared with conventional methods.
Elsewhere, Dubai-based engineering company LEAP 71 and Chinese 3D printer manufacturer Farsoon Technologies have developed an AI-designed, metal additively manufactured hypersonic precooler, aimed at bringing winged, air-breathing spaceplanes closer to practical development.
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Featured image shows In-space infrastructure service. Image via Momentus.
