Velo3D, a leading provider of advanced metal additive manufacturing (AM) technology for mission-critical parts, today announced an expanded partnership with Innovative Rocket Technologies Inc. (iRocket), a next-generation aerospace company developing 100% reusable launch vehicles. 3D printing will enable iRocket to iterate on the design with each recoverable launch.
In addition, iRocket's pivotal use of additive manufacturing in Solid Rocket Motor production will help expand and reindustrialize the de-polarized defense base, serving the growing interceptor market. The collaboration includes iRocket's acquisition of Velo3D's Sapphire printers and the adoption of Velo3D's Rapid Production Solutions (RPS), enabling faster, more scalable production of propulsion and structural components for space and defense applications.
This expanded partnership represents a significant milestone in strengthening U.S. supply chains by combining Velo3D's proven AM platform with iRocket's mission to deliver reusable rockets and solid rocket motors for interceptors. iRocket will Recondition, Reload, and Relaunch™ its vehicles in under 24 hours, just like how airplanes are used today. iRocket is positioned to deliver critical parts with speed, precision, and repeatability, addressing some of the most pressing aerospace and defense needs with the strength of its collaboration with Velo3D.
"Working with iRocket exemplifies the power of strategic partnerships in building resilient, U.S.-based manufacturing," said Dr. Arun Jeldi, CEO, Velo3D. "By integrating their Sapphire printers into our Rapid Production Solutions, iRocket can seamlessly transition from prototype to production, achieving the consistency and scalability required for flight-critical and defense hardware."
Founded in 2018, iRocket is developing the Shockwave 100% reusable launch vehicle designed for rapid turnaround and reusability between missions. The company has secured contracts and collaborations with the U.S. Space Force and Air Force Research Laboratory to advance propulsion and defense applications. In July 2025, iRocket and Billionaire industrialist Hon. Wilbur L. Ross announced plans to go public on NASDAQ via a $400 million SPAC merger with BPGC Acquisition Corp., underscoring its growing market presence and capital momentum.
"Velo3D's additive manufacturing technology gives us the freedom to design and produce propulsion system components and 3D print complex geometries that couldn't be built by traditional methods," said Asad Malik, CEO, iRocket. "By expanding our collaboration, we gain the speed, flexibility, and control needed to achieve our mission of delivering reusable, high-frequency launch capabilities for both commercial space and national defense customers."
Velo3D's Sapphire printer family is uniquely capable of producing large, complex geometries with minimal support structures, making it ideal for propulsion, turbomachinery, and thermal management systems. Its integrated software and hardware platform—including Flow print software, Assure quality control, and Intelligent Fusion process control—ensures consistent, traceable production of aerospace-grade parts across multiple machines and sites.
The partnership aligns with U.S. government and industry priorities to strengthen domestic supply chains, secure production of critical technologies, and accelerate the pace of innovation in aerospace and defense.
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