CosmicMaker
UK-based spinout from Photocentric developing autonomous LCD-based 3D printing platforms for in-space manufacturing, validated through ESA parabolic flight testing.
- CEO / Founder
- Paul Holt
- Stage
- Early Stage
- Latest Round
- Grant
- Key Investors
- UK Space Agency; European Space Agency (ESA) Business Applications and Space Solutions programme; Satellite Applications Catapult; Business in Space Growth Network (BSGN)
Technology & Products
Key Products
CosmicMaker I (proof-of-concept, £0.2M UKSA grant); CosmicMaker II (three-unit system validated on parabolic flights, £0.5M UKSA grant); Autonomous in-space manufacturing platform for plastics, ceramics (SiC, alumina), metals, and composites
Technological Advantage
Patented enclosed-chamber LCD 3D printing process for space (patented 2020). Built on Photocentric's proven LCD technology that has produced tens of millions of parts on Earth. Multi-material capability (plastics, ceramics, metals, composites) in a single platform.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Autonomous, enclosed-chamber LCD 3D printing platform purpose-built for microgravity that can print plastics, ceramics, metals, and composites without support structures, operating more effectively in space than on Earth.
How They Differentiate
Only LCD-based (vat photopolymerization) 3D printer designed for microgravity — unlike FDM-based competitors (Redwire/Made In Space). Enclosed chamber keeps parts supported by liquid, eliminating support structures. Ceramic printing performs better in microgravity than on Earth. Low mass, low energy, compact footprint.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Space agencies (ESA, NASA), commercial space station operators, lunar habitat developers, satellite manufacturers
Industry Verticals
Space/Aerospace; Defense; Satellite Manufacturing
Competitors
Redwire (formerly Made In Space) — FDM-based ISS printers; Interstellar Lab — in-space manufacturing concepts
Growth & Milestones
Major Milestones
2023: CosmicMaker I proof-of-concept developed under £0.2M UKSA grant; 2024: CosmicMaker II development under £0.5M UKSA grant; 2025: Photocentric awarded two UK Space Agency grants for CosmicMaker; Apr 2026: Three CosmicMaker printers successfully tested on Novespace Airbus A310 Zero G parabolic flights (22s microgravity cycles), printing SiC, alumina, and thermoset polymers; Jun 2026: Photocentric spins out CosmicMaker Ltd. as standalone business