Velo3D partners with iRocket for expanded aerospace manufacturing

Velo3D Inc. (NASDAQ: VELO) announced an expanded partnership with Innovative Rocket Technologies Inc. for additive manufacturing of aerospace and defense components. The collaboration includes iRocket's acquisition of Velo3D's Sapphire printers and adoption of Rapid Production Solutions for manufacturing propulsion and structural components.

iRocket is developing the Shockwave launch vehicle, designed as a 100% reusable system with rapid turnaround capabilities. The company has contracts with the U.S. Space Force and Air Force Research Laboratory for propulsion and defense applications.

In July 2025, iRocket announced plans for a public listing on NASDAQ through a $400 million SPAC merger with BPGC Acquisition Corp., involving industrialist Wilbur L. Ross.

"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 of iRocket.

Dr. Arun Jeldi, CEO of Velo3D, stated that the partnership demonstrates strategic manufacturing partnerships. "By integrating their Sapphire printers into our Rapid Production Solutions, iRocket can seamlessly transition from prototype to production," he said.

Velo3D's Sapphire printer family produces large, complex geometries with minimal support structures for propulsion and thermal management systems. The platform includes Flow print software, Assure quality control, and Intelligent Fusion process control.

The partnership supports iRocket's goal to recondition, reload, and relaunch vehicles within 24 hours. The company also plans to use additive manufacturing for solid rocket motor production serving the interceptor market.

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