Pythom Space × AMEXCI

Pythom Space set out to build a rocket engine on their own terms — and additive manufacturing made it possible.

The combustion chamber is 3D printed in Inconel IN718, a high-performance nickel superalloy chosen for its exceptional strength and thermal resistance under extreme conditions. Thanks to additive manufacturing, what would have taken over six months to produce traditionally was delivered in just six weeks.

The part incorporates regenerative cooling — channels integrated directly into the chamber wall that circulate propellant to manage heat loads while firing at 3000 °C. Geometry like this is simply not achievable through conventional machining.

The result: successful hot fire tests conducted only nine months after initial funding. A timeline that rewrites what's possible in new space development.