The Exploration Company has acquired German additive manufacturing firm Thrustworks, strengthening its production capabilities and broadening its commercial activities as it progresses toward the planned 2028 debut of its modular spacecraft, the company said on Monday.
Thrustworks, founded in 2023, specialises in high-performance metal components for space and defence applications. The company provides end-to-end manufacturing services—spanning design optimisation, metal printing and post-processing—and is among the first European suppliers to commercialise additive manufacturing and coating of thrust chambers made from the niobium alloy C103. The material’s low mass and heat resistance make it well suited for space propulsion systems.
The Exploration Company, which did not disclose financial terms, announced the acquisition on 17 November, marking an expansion of its footprint in Germany. The firm is developing Nyx, a reusable cargo and later crew-capable capsule intended for orbital missions.
“With this merger, we integrate within TEC and scale at the service of the European industry a unique niobium printing capability and a great team,” said CEO Hélène Huby. “We intend to serve our clients with applications ranging from satellite thrusters to thrusters for defense applications.”
The company said the deal will allow it to diversify its revenue while improving its in-house production capacity. Thrustworks is expected to scale its facilities in North Rhine-Westphalia and add new manufacturing capabilities, helping to reinforce supply chain resilience for future programmes.
