Application of the Month: The 3D Printed MPGE Engine Propels Italy Into the Space Race

Humanity never stops reaching for the stars. And the use of 3D printing is making it more common than ever! Building upon previous projects using additive manufacturing for rocket engines, we have yet another case study: Italian company AVIO SpA has successfully completed tests of its MPGE (multi-purpose green engine). SLM 3D printing was used in its creation.

The project was made as part of the Italian’s government PNRR program, which is part of a movement to strength the growth potential of the country. More specifically, it falls under the purview of the “Satellite Technologies and Space Economy” theme as part of a sub-investment into in-orbit economy as Italy seeks to increase its role in the Space Race. In particular, it seems that the MPGE is part of efforts to increase Italy’s capacities in the field of space logistics for the surveillance of the space environment (Space Situational Awareness) and the management of space traffic (Space Traffic Management).

A conceptual image of the MPGE rocket engine (photo credits: AVIO SpA)

AVIO was entrusted the MPGE project, part of an Italian Space Agency contract, and worked on it in collaboration with Sòphia High Tech. The bi-propellant rocket completed its first ignition tests on February 24, 2025. But how was it made?