Horizon Microtechnologies has secured funding from the European Space Agency (ESA) Spark program, administered by the Center for Satellite Navigation Hesse Gmbh (CESAH). The funding will fuel development of Horizon’s advanced 3D printing and metallization technology for space applications.
With the Spark funding, Horizon will refine its technology and demonstrate that its 3D-printed and metalized components are capable of meeting the extreme requirements of the space environment. Horizon believes its components are mature enough to withstand the harsh conditions of space.
“Receiving ESA Spark funding is a powerful step forward for Horizon,” says Andreas Frölich, Horizon’s CEO. “Space applications demand the highest standards of performance, longevity and reliability, and this support from ESA through CESAH is a testament to the potential we have to drive innovation in space technology.”
Horizon’s unique approach integrates the precision and design flexibility of 3D printing with advanced metallization processes. For space applications, this means lighter, more compact components that maintain structural integrity and functionality, even in extreme conditions. Weight reduction, or SWaP (Size, Weight and Power), is a crucial factor in space missions, Horizon said, as every gram counts toward efficiency. With this technology, components can be made lighter without sacrificing durability.
Additionally, Horizon’s technology supports the creation of monolithic components with complex geometries that would be challenging to achieve with traditional manufacturing techniques. This opens the door to novel design options, enabling engineers to build components that are both functionally robust and optimized for space constraints.
Frölich said, “This project does more than just position Horizon’s technology within the space sector, it also paves the way for broader industry adoption. Success in space — the most demanding of environments — provides a compelling proof-of-concept for sectors such as telecommunications, aerospace and defense, where reliability and endurance are paramount. If Horizon’s components can thrive in space, they can certainly meet the high standards of terrestrial applications.”
