Additive technology continues to advance, but is it advancing towards solving the most applicable problems? This is the most important question to get right as we accelerate domestic manufacturing. Machine OEMs, contract manufacturers, cognizant engineering organizations, and regulators are not aligned in development priorities that lead to greater technology proliferation. If the industry wants rapid adoption, especially for more critical applications, we must be better aligned. Northrop Grumman Space Systems has made great progress in advancing material system qualification and application development. This presentation will review how Northrop Grumman is using AM in satellites, launch vehicles, and ground systems while discussing industry solutions necessary to continue technology adoption. I will review our product roadmap that decomposes application on-ramp opportunities into part family requirements and aligns material systems. I will also review the progress we are making in realizing specs and data and how this data can be used to accelerate supplier qualification. This presentation provides a demand signal to our suppliers and government partners for what will maximize value. In 2025, AM is all about capitalizing on return on investment, and we are here to support. I hope this will also inspire our industry competitors to follow a similar approach to help the industry thrive.
Learning Objectives:
Understand Northrop Grumman Space AM objectives
Understand how research and development in academia and supply chain can be applied to NG Space priorities.
