Nikon SLM Solutions is pleased to announce that Rocket Lab, a global leader in space systems and launch services, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to reserve two of Nikon SLM Solutions’ upcoming ultra-large format metal additive manufacturing platforms.
This agreement marks a major step forward in Rocket Lab’s ongoing investment in advanced manufacturing technologies and reinforces their commitment to scaling high-performance additive production for space applications.
The ultra-large format system will expand Rocket Lab’s additive capabilities beyond their existing fleet, providing greater design freedom, throughput, and build volume to support their growing ambitions in aerospace manufacturing.
“We are proud to deepen our collaboration with Rocket Lab as they continue to pioneer scalable, high-performance AM for space,” said Sam O’Leary, CEO of Nikon SLM Solutions. “Their decision to reserve our forthcoming ultra-large platform underscores a shared belief in pushing the limits of innovation—and doing so with confidence at scale.”
Designed to serve the most demanding industrial sectors, Nikon SLM Solutions’ next-generation system will be capable of producing significantly larger parts at unmatched productivity, helping manufacturers like Rocket Lab reduce part counts, optimize designs, and accelerate time to launch.
This MoU reflects both companies’ long-term commitment to innovation, precision, and industrial-scale additive manufacturing.
About Rocket Lab
Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company with an established track record of mission success. We deliver reliable launch services, satellite manufacture, spacecraft components, and on-orbit management solutions that make it faster, easier, and more affordable to access space. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures the Electron small orbital launch vehicle, a family of flight-proven spacecraft, and the Company is developing the large Neutron launch vehicle for constellation deployment. Since its first orbital launch in January 2018, Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 200 satellites to orbit for private and public sector organizations, enabling operations in national security, scientific research, space debris mitigation, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications. Rocket Lab’s Photon spacecraft platform has been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as the first private commercial mission to Venus. Rocket Lab has three launch pads at two launch sites, including two launch pads at a private orbital launch site located in New Zealand and a third launch pad in Virginia. To learn more, visit www.rocketlabcorp.com.
About Nikon SLM Solutions
Nikon SLM Solutions AG is a global provider of integrated metal additive manufacturing solutions. Leading the industry since its inception, it continues to drive the future of metal AM in every major industry with its customers’ long-term success at its core. Nikon SLM Solutions is home to the world’s fastest metal additive manufacturing machines boasting up to 12 lasers and enabling build rates of up to 1000ccm/h. With a portfolio of systems to suit every customer’s needs, along with its team of experts closely collaborating at every stage of the process, Nikon SLM Solutions leads the way on return on investment with maximum efficiency, productivity, and profitability. Nikon SLM Solutions believes that additive manufacturing is the future of manufacturing and has the desire and capability to take its customers there – right now.
Nikon SLM Solutions AG is a Company headquartered in Germany, with offices in Canada, France, India, Italy, Singapore, South Korea, and the United States.
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