The aerospace company Momentus Inc. has signed a multi-year cooperation agreement with Velo3D, a manufacturer specializing in additive manufacturing. The aim of the five-year Master Services Agreement is to use Velo3D’s metal 3D printing technology to manufacture complex components for satellites and other space systems. The agreement was concluded as part of a share transaction in which Velo3D received both voting and preferred shares in Momentus.
Specifically, 3D printing will be used to produce geometrically sophisticated components that would be difficult or costly to realize using conventional manufacturing processes. Momentus expects this to bring advantages in terms of weight, stability and design flexibility. In addition, additive manufacturing enables shorter development times thanks to faster iteration cycles and reduced material losses, as less mechanical post-processing is required.
The printed components will not only be used in the company’s own satellites and orbital service vehicles, but will also be sold to external customers in the future. Momentus is thus planning to open up new business areas in the field of commercial space components.
“We’re pleased to be partnering with Velo3D to leverage the power of advanced manufacturing, to continue to improve the capabilities of our satellites and space systems and aiming to make our low-cost products and services even more cost-competitive,” said Momentus’ CEO John Rood. “We are also excited about the ability to expand our product offerings to create new revenue streams through sales of space system components that are 3D printed.”
The agreement also provides for Momentus to receive a pro rata share of revenues generated by Velo3D’s use of unused production capacity. The agreement contains clear share distribution provisions, including a cap on Velo3D’s holding of Momentus’ ordinary shares to avoid dilution of voting rights.
By integrating additive manufacturing into space production, Momentus aims to achieve greater flexibility, lower costs and a faster response to space industry requirements.
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