Additively manufactured propellant tank set to pass orbital test at Momentus

The use of additive manufacturing in spaceflight continues to advance. The U.S. company Momentus Inc. has developed a propellant tank that was produced entirely via metal 3D printing and is scheduled to be tested as part of an orbital demonstration. The tank is intended for use on the Vigoride-7 Orbital Service Vehicle and addresses requirements for pressure resistance, leak tightness, and thermal stability typical of space applications.

The component was manufactured in collaboration with Velo3D. An integrated metal additive manufacturing platform was used, enabling the printing of complex geometries with internal structures without extensive support structures. According to Momentus, this allows a function-oriented tank design, such as integrated channels and load-optimized wall thicknesses, which would be difficult to achieve with conventional manufacturing methods.

“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.”

For space programs, delivery times and qualification processes are critical alongside design. Momentus sees additive manufacturing as an opportunity to shorten development cycles and adapt components more quickly to mission-specific requirements.

“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.”

If the test is successful, it is likely to further increase acceptance of additive manufacturing for safety-critical space components and facilitate its use in serial production programs.