NASA JPL 3D Printed Titanium Spring Deploys in Space

A Giant Leap for Space 3D Printing

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has achieved a breakthrough in space-ready additive manufacturing. On February 3rd, 2026, as the Mercury One satellite passed over Earth, a small box released a titanium spring that deployed with what NASA calls a simple yet disruptive movement.

This was the JPL Additive Compliant Canister (JACC), a technology demonstration showcasing how 3D printing can revolutionize spacecraft hardware.

Five Components Become One

The JACC spring is a masterclass in Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM). It combines what would normally be five separate mechanical components into a single 3D-printed titanium structure:

• A hinge
• A panel
• A compression spring
• Two torsion springs

This design uses three times fewer parts than conventionally fabricated versions, significantly reducing weight, volume, and potential failure points.

Key Specifications

• Material: Titanium
• Weight: 498 grams
• Size: ~10 cm per side
• Deployment range: From 3 cm (compressed) to 15 cm (full deployment)
• Development time: Less than one year

Why This Matters

The JACC spring was designed to precisely deploy antennas on future orbiters spacecraft that circle planets or moons for extended studies. By reducing part count and weight, 3D printing enables:

• Faster development cycles
• Lower manufacturing costs
• Improved reliability
• Better performance in space environments

As NASA pushes toward longer-duration missions including Artemis lunar exploration the ability to print custom hardware on demand could prove invaluable.

The successful deployment marks another milestone for additive manufacturing beyond Earth, building on NASA's years of testing aboard the International Space Station.