Auckland, New Zealand, 8th April 2025 – Zenith Tecnica, experts in titanium additive manufacturing (AM) using Electron Beam Melting (EBM), also known as Electron Beam Powder-Bed Fusion (E-PBF), has been selected by leading space technologies provider Maxar Space Systems, for the manufacture of structural components for the Tranche 2 Tracking Layer Program.
Image supplied by Maxar Space Systems.
“We are incredibly proud to be chosen by Maxar Space Systems as their trusted ongoing titanium additive manufacturing partner.” Says Heather Grace, Director and Owner of Zenith Tecnica. Grace goes on to add, “Their team consistently demonstrates a forward-thinking mindset, and we are always impressed by their dedication to quality-driven results. Through our longstanding partnership, including our collaboration on the Tranche 1 Tracking Layer Program, we have built a joint team approach that has helped optimize design for manufacture and ensured project success.”
Pursuant to an award from L3Harris Technologies in 2024, Maxar Space Systems was selected to design and produce 18 spacecraft platforms to support the Tranche 2 Tracking Layer program. These 18 satellites will be built using Maxar Space System’s Maxar 300™ Series proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) platform. The Tranche 2 Tracking Layer is part of the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) focus to provide global identification, warning, and tracking of conventional and advanced threats, including hypersonic missile threats.
As one of Maxar Space Systems’ longest additive manufacturing suppliers, Zenith Tecnica has hundreds of large structural components on-orbit in various Maxar Space Systems-built satellites and spacecraft, with hundreds more currently in production. Utilizing titanium additive manufacturing has allowed Maxar Space Systems to design complex node and bracket systems to support and hold large structures together that otherwise would have been difficult and costly to produce. These applications are one of many ways Maxar Space Systems has worked to make the most out of EBM’s powerful and unique capabilities.
“Our relationship with the Maxar Space Systems team has grown and developed over the past decade. We are excited to continue working together to deliver components for their constellation system platforms and look forward to supporting them further as they continue leveraging our strengths through EBM production.” Logan Nutsford, Engineering Manager of Zenith Tecnica.
About Zenith Tecnica
Zenith Tecnica is an AS9100 & ISO13485 certified contract manufacturer specializing in titanium additive manufacturing. Unlocking Electron Beam Melting for industries around the world, Zenith Tecnica offers customers a wealth of experience in additive manufacturing of titanium components with a supply chain to deliver parts ready for assembly. For more information, visit: www.zenithtecnica.com.
About Maxar Space Systems
Maxar Space Systems is a leading satellite manufacturer and provider of advanced solutions for space exploration. We deliver innovative solutions to commercial and government customers helping them unlock the promise of space to solve problems on Earth and beyond. We address a broad spectrum of needs for our customers, including mission systems engineering, product design, spacecraft manufacturing, assembly, integration and testing. Maxar Space Systems is a trusted partner in commercial and government missions, combining more than 65 years of deep mission understanding and industry leading performance. For more information, visit www.maxar.com
For media inquiries, please contact:
Morgan Worthington
media@zenithtecnica.com
