In January 2026, U.S.-based space transportation and infrastructure services provider Momentus completed the development of a 3D-printed propellant tank, which will be flight-tested aboard its Vigoride-7 orbital service vehicle.
The propellant tank components were manufactured through a collaboration between Momentus and metal additive manufacturing system supplier Velo3D. The project demonstrates how additive manufacturing can shorten production cycles, enable complex geometries, and provide new design flexibility for spacecraft components operating in extreme environments.
John Rood, CEO of Momentus, stated: “Testing an additively manufactured propellant tank on the Vigoride-7 spacecraft is a major milestone for Momentus and a testament to the strength of our partnership with Velo3D. Additive manufacturing opens up new possibilities for spacecraft design and production, and this successful demonstration paves the way for broader adoption of the technology in our future missions.”
The Momentus team is currently executing the Vigoride mission.
Manufacturing Method and Design Advantages
Designed by Momentus and manufactured using Velo3D’s metal additive manufacturing platform, the propellant tank incorporates features that are difficult to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods. Momentus noted that this experience provides strong support for the commercial-scale production of space-grade propellant tanks—a field that has historically been characterized by high costs and long lead times.
Arun Jeldi, CEO of Velo3D, commented: “Momentus is continuously pushing the boundaries of space transportation, and we are proud to support their vision with our technology. Our additive manufacturing platform enables aerospace innovators to design without compromise, and this propellant tank is a prime example of how advanced manufacturing can deliver high performance and high reliability in the space environment.”
Space Infrastructure Services
Expanding the Role of 3D Printing in Aerospace Systems
The Momentus Vigoride-7 propellant tank highlights a growing trend: additive manufacturing is becoming a cornerstone of next-generation spacecraft design. Similar initiatives are also advancing other aspects of spacecraft technology. Through its Application Innovation Group (AIG), 3D Systems is collaborating with researchers from Pennsylvania State University (PSU), Arizona State University (ASU), and NASA’s Glenn Research Center to develop advanced thermal management systems. These NASA-supported projects leverage 3D Systems’ Direct Metal Printing (DMP) technology and Oqton’s 3DXpert software to produce high-performance heat sinks and heat pipes from titanium alloys and nickel–titanium alloys, reducing weight and simplifying manufacturing compared with traditional methods.
Meanwhile, Dubai-based engineering company LEAP 71 and Chinese 3D printer manufacturer Farsoon Technologies have developed an AI-designed, additively manufactured metal hypersonic precooler, aimed at bringing winged, air-breathing spaceplanes closer to practical realization.
