3D printed antenna bracket for a Sentinel-1 Earth Observation Satellite. Photo: Ruag.

Research and Markets’ new report is projecting that the yearly value of additive manufactured parts in the space industry will reach $4.7 billion, driving nearly $1 billion in yearly sales of 3D-printed equipment, software and materials.

The “Additive Manufacturing for Space Industry Applications – From Earth to Orbit and Beyond: An Opportunity Analysis and Ten-Year Forecast” report quantifies the projected value of additive manufactured parts and identifies the most commercially important technologies, materials and applications for 3D printing of space-borne parts. It includes 10-year forecasts of the materials, hardware, software and additive manufacture service, both in terms of demand and revenues.

Research and Markets sees additive manufacturing as booming for manufacturing of satellites, launch vehicles and spacecraft. The report includes an in-depth analysis of the material used for 3D printing space applications, which takes into consideration both high performance polymers and metals as well as composites, ceramics and technologies for direct 3D printing of electronics.