Momentus plans to utilize the technology to serve new markets as a qualified supplier for space-rated fuel tanks that are typically high-cost and require long lead times
Momentus, a US commercial space company offering in-space transportation and infrastructure services, has developed an additive-manufactured fuel tank. The fuel tank is scheduled to perform flight testing aboard Momentus’s Vigoride-7 Orbital Service Vehicle. The tank was produced in collaboration with Velo3D, a leading provider of advanced metal additive manufacturing technology.
This milestone demonstrates the potential of AM to accelerate innovation in spacecraft design, reduce production timelines, and enable complex geometries that improve performance in demanding space environments.
The fuel tank represents a significant step forward in the adoption of AM for mission-critical spacecraft components. By leveraging Velo3D’s fully integrated solution, Momentus designed and produced a tank with optimized features that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods. Momentus plans to utilize this technology to serve new markets as a qualified supplier for space-rated fuel tanks that are typically high-cost and require long lead times.
“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.”
“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.”
