Photocentric launches CosmicMaker to accelerate 3D printing in space
Photocentric launches CosmicMaker to accelerate 3D printing in space
We’re excited to announce that Photocentric has launched CosmicMaker Ltd, a dedicated company focused on advancing 3D printing for space manufacturing. The new business builds on more than two decades of innovation in additive manufacturing and marks the next step in Photocentric’s mission to develop technologies that can manufacture reliably both on Earth and beyond.
Since Photocentric was founded in 2002, we’ve pioneered LCD-based 3D printing, including commercialising the world’s first LCD 3D printer in 2014. In 2020, Photocentric patented an LCD 3D printing process specifically designed for use in space, laying the foundations for what is now CosmicMaker. With strong support from the UK Space Agency via ESA’s BSGN program, Photocentric has successfully developed and validated the CosmicMaker platform.
A major milestone came in April 2026, when the Photocentric developed CosmicMaker printer completed successful testing aboard Novespace’s Airbus A310 Zero G aircraft. Across three parabolic flights, the system printed ceramic and polymer materials while operating in conditions ranging from 2g to microgravity. The enclosed LCD printing process demonstrated excellent dimensional accuracy and showed how manufacturing in microgravity can reduce the need for support structures while improving the distribution of particle-rich materials.
Built on Photocentric’s proven LCD printing technology, the CosmicMaker platform is designed to manufacture parts from plastics, ceramics, metals and composite materials in a lightweight, low-energy system suitable for future space missions
As CosmicMaker begins its journey as an independent company, Photocentric remains proud of the technology behind it and continues to push the boundaries of additive manufacturing. Together, we’re helping shape the future of in-space manufacturing, with a long-term vision of enabling reliable, autonomous production on the Moon and beyond.
We’re excited to announce that Photocentric has launched CosmicMaker Ltd, a dedicated company focused on advancing 3D printing for space manufacturing. The new business builds on more than two decades of innovation in additive manufacturing and marks the next step in Photocentric’s mission to develop technologies that can manufacture reliably both on Earth and beyond.
Since Photocentric was founded in 2002, we’ve pioneered LCD-based 3D printing, including commercialising the world’s first LCD 3D printer in 2014. In 2020, Photocentric patented an LCD 3D printing process specifically designed for use in space, laying the foundations for what is now CosmicMaker. With strong support from the UK Space Agency via ESA’s BSGN program, Photocentric has successfully developed and validated the CosmicMaker platform.
A major milestone came in April 2026, when the Photocentric developed CosmicMaker printer completed successful testing aboard Novespace’s Airbus A310 Zero G aircraft. Across three parabolic flights, the system printed ceramic and polymer materials while operating in conditions ranging from 2g to microgravity. The enclosed LCD printing process demonstrated excellent dimensional accuracy and showed how manufacturing in microgravity can reduce the need for support structures while improving the distribution of particle-rich materials.
Built on Photocentric’s proven LCD printing technology, the CosmicMaker platform is designed to manufacture parts from plastics, ceramics, metals and composite materials in a lightweight, low-energy system suitable for future space missions
As CosmicMaker begins its journey as an independent company, Photocentric remains proud of the technology behind it and continues to push the boundaries of additive manufacturing. Together, we’re helping shape the future of in-space manufacturing, with a long-term vision of enabling reliable, autonomous production on the Moon and beyond.