Vaya Space taps Velo3D to produce additively manufactured rocket engine parts
Summary points:
- Velo3D and Vaya Space have signed a $4 million, two-year agreement to produce high-performance rocket engine components using advanced metal additive manufacturing technologies.
- Velo3D will serve as the exclusive provider of GRCop42 components for Vaya Space through 2027, supplying parts made with copper alloy GRCop42 and Inconel 718 via its Sapphire XC and XC1MZ 3D printers.
- The partnership aims to streamline and accelerate propulsion system development, with both companies collaborating on design, production, and marketing to deliver more efficient, cost-effective aerospace hardware.
FREMONT, Calif.- Additive manufacturing company Velo3D Inc. in Fremont, Calif., and hybrid rocket propulsion firm Vaya Space have signed a $4 million, two-year Master Services Agreement (MSA) to advance production of high-performance propulsion system components using 3D metal printing technologies, the companies announced.
Under the agreement, Vaya Space, headquartered in Cocoa Beach, Fla., will use Velo3D’s Rapid Production Solution (RPS) to manufacture key parts for its expander cycle hybrid rocket engines. Production will rely on Velo3D's Sapphire XC and XC1MZ metal 3D printers, focusing on parts made with National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)-developed copper alloy GRCop42 and aerospace-grade Inconel 718, both prized for their heat resistance and mechanical strength in extreme environments.
Velo3D will serve as Vaya Space’s exclusive supplier of GRCop42 additive components through 2027. The company will provide production capacity guarantees, engineering support, and training for its Flow software platform to help streamline the development of propulsion systems, including components such as injectors, nozzles, and turbopumps.
"This partnership is a powerful example of how our Rapid Production Solution helps scale complex hardware manufacturing for today’s most ambitious aerospace companies," said Dr. Arun Jeldi, CEO of Velo3D. "By combining our capabilities in GRCop42 and Inconel 718 with deep engineering collaboration, we’re helping Vaya Space achieve faster, more cost-effective production—right here in the United States."
"Additive manufacturing plays a central role in our ability to reduce design complexity, increase performance, and scale production," added Aaron Blankenship, Vice President of Operations at Vaya Space. "Velo3D offers the production readiness, material capabilities, and deep technical partnership we need to bring our vision to life and deliver flight-ready engines on schedule."
Jamie Whitney
Jamie Whitney joined the staff of Military & Aerospace Electronics and Intelligent Aerospace. He brings seven years of print newspaper experience to the aerospace and defense electronics industry.
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