EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. & REHOVOT, Israel - Stratasys Ltd. (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:SSYS), a company specializing in polymer 3D printing solutions, has announced its participation in a lunar mission to test the performance of 3D-printed materials on the moon's surface. The experiments are part of the first Space Science & Technology Evaluation Facility mission (SSTEF-1) by Aegis Aerospace, developed under NASA’s Tipping Point program.
Stratasys will supply 3D-printed samples for two separate experiments led by Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC). The first experiment will evaluate a sample coupon part made with Stratasys’ Antero 800NA FDM filament filled with tungsten, designed to provide radiation shielding.
The second passive experiment will test the performance of 3D-printed materials, including Antero 840CN03 FDM filament and a new ESD photopolymer from Henkel, in the harsh lunar environment characterized by moon dust, low pressure, and temperature extremes.
The 3D-printed parts will be transported to the moon by an unmanned lander in a carrier structure made from ULTEM 9085 thermoplastic, a material also used in commercial aircraft interiors.
Rich Garrity, Chief Industrial Business Officer at Stratasys, stated that the experiments aim to understand how to utilize 3D printing technology to ensure the safety of people and equipment in space missions.
Additive manufacturing is increasingly important in space exploration due to its potential for reducing weight and ensuring high performance, which are critical factors in the design and execution of space missions.
This initiative underscores Stratasys' role in the advancement of 3D printing applications in the aerospace industry and its ongoing efforts to explore new frontiers in additive manufacturing.
This information is based on a press release statement from Stratasys Ltd.
InvestingPro Insights
As Stratasys Ltd. (NASDAQ: SSYS) ventures into the final frontier with its 3D-printed materials being tested on the moon's surface, the company's financial health and market performance are equally important for stakeholders tracking its progress. With a current market capitalization of $876.27 million, Stratasys presents itself as a significant player in the polymer 3D printing market. Despite a recent downturn in revenue growth, with a -3.67% change over the last twelve months as of Q4 2023, the company's gross profit margin stands strong at 44.53%, reflecting its ability to maintain profitability on its products.
Investors may find encouragement in the company's liquidity position, as highlighted by an InvestingPro Tip that points out Stratasys' ability to cover its short-term obligations, with liquid assets exceeding short-term liabilities. Another InvestingPro Tip indicates that the company holds more cash than debt, providing it with a solid financial foundation to support its innovative endeavors.
While Stratasys has not been profitable over the last twelve months, analysts are optimistic, predicting that the company will turn a profit this year. This expectation is mirrored in the company's recent stock performance, which has seen a significant return over the last week, with a 7.61% price total return.
For those interested in a deeper dive into Stratasys' financials and future prospects, InvestingPro offers additional insights, including 6 more InvestingPro Tips that can be accessed at https://www.investing.com/pro/SSYS. Readers looking to take advantage of these expert analyses can use the coupon code PRONEWS24 to receive an additional 10% off a yearly or biyearly Pro and Pro+ subscription.
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