SpaceX Signs $8 Million Contract with Velo3D to Strengthen 3D Printing Technology

Ground test of the latest 'Raptor 3' engine developed by SpaceX is underway. / SpaceX

SpaceX has signed an $8 million licensing and technical support agreement with Velo3D, a leader in 3D printing technology.

Through this agreement, SpaceX will leverage Velo3D’s advanced 3D printing technology to further enhance its capabilities in space exploration and rocket development.

Of the total contract amount, $5 million will be allocated for Velo3D’s exclusive technology license, while the remaining $3 million will cover the cost of technical support services provided by Velo3D.

The contract period is set for one year, during which SpaceX will maximize its engineering and manufacturing capabilities by utilizing Velo3D’s technology.

Velo3D has already been a key partner for SpaceX, contributing to the production of major components like the Raptor engine, and this agreement is expected to further solidify the partnership between the two companies.

SpaceX has been using Velo3D’s 3D printer, the 'Sapphire Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion' (PBF-LB), to manufacture various components that require high precision and durability.

A significant aspect of this agreement is that SpaceX has secured the rights to develop new technologies or modify existing ones based on Velo3D’s technology.

All rights to the source code, executable files, documentation, and other outputs of any technology developed or improved by SpaceX will belong to SpaceX, greatly contributing to the company's technological independence.

The contract between SpaceX and Velo3D is expected to be a major turning point in the development of next-generation rocket technology.

SpaceX plans to combine Velo3D’s technical prowess with its own innovative approach to achieve further advancements in space exploration and commercial spaceflight.