# ESA Advances In-Orbit Metal 3D Printing

The European Space Agency’s in-orbit metal 3D-printing demonstrator has produced its fifth sample aboard the International Space Station. The German Aerospace Center and ESA’s ESTEC are evaluating the sample as part of tests of manufacturing for missions where resupply is limited. This is a technology demonstration, not an announced solicitation, but it advances ESA’s assessment of the printer’s capabilities, limitations, operations, and part quality in a crewed space environment.

- Companies with expertise in space-qualified additive manufacturing, materials testing, printer operations, and recovery procedures may find these areas relevant to future mission needs; the signal does not identify a current procurement opportunity.
- Procurement teams and contractors can use the demonstration’s focus on in-orbit and ground operations, as well as part quality, to assess which capabilities they could offer for future space-manufacturing programs.
- The sample’s evaluation by DLR and ESA’s ESTEC connects the effort to European aerospace research and testing, with potential relevance to suppliers developing hardware and services for limited-resupply missions.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Published:** November 13, 2026

### Government Entities
- European Space Agency (ESA)
- German Aerospace Center (DLR)
- French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES)

### Vendors
- Airbus Defence and Space (Lead contractor for demonstrator development)

### Key Quotes
> 3D printers are far from being simple gadgets and I’m delighted to have worked on this European technology demonstration for the future of human spaceflight. Congratulations to everyone involved and thank you to the CADMOS User Support Centre teams who guided me throughout the process!
> — Sophie Adenot, ESA astronaut

> With a better understanding of the printer’s capabilities, limitations and operations — both in orbit and on the ground — as well as the quality of parts produced in a crewed space environment, ESA is now well-positioned to take the next step towards in-orbit metal 3D-printing
> — Rob Postema, ESA technical officer

### Sources
- [3D-printed metal: unlocking crew autonomy](https://www.esa.int/pl/articles/3d-printed-metal-unlocking-crew-autonomy) - ESA