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Source (clockwise) | Firefly Aerospace, MT Aerospace, Rock West Composites

As unfolds this year and we discuss the ways in which composites exemplify “Performance With Purpose,” an exciting area of growth is the space sector. From the rise of carbon fiber rocket platforms to the proliferation of constellation satellites, the growth over the past 5 years has been explosive. According to a recent installment of The Space Report presented by the Space Foundation, space workforce employment grew by 18% between 2019 and 2024. Commercial companies are actively partnering with space agencies like NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) in ever-evolving ways, with composites enabling a variety of mission-enabling parts and structures including launch systems, landing struts, load-bearing structures, propulsion systems, thermal protection systems (TPS), telescoping arrays on satellites and many others.

Meanwhile, NASA’s Artemis program, which features many enabling composite technologies, has had numerous successful missions — small steps setting the stage for returning humans to the moon. An exciting time, indeed.

Featured Content

Assembling the Multifunctional Fuselage Demonstrator: The final welds READ MORE

Development of a composite liquid hydrogen tank for commercial aircraft READ MORE

Bladder-assisted compression molding derivative produces complex, autoclave-quality automotive parts READ MORE

National Composites Week is  fitting moment to look ban the year’s progress in this constantly growing area. Below is a roundup of key content to explore, read and learn more.

Note: Below covers only articles produced in 2025 for these topics. For other related content (including news and products), visit these sections of our website.

Ultrasonic welding for in-space manufacturing of CFRTP

Agile Ultrasonics and NASA trial robotic-compatible carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic ultrasonic welding technology for space structures.

Revolutionizing space composites: A new era of satellite materials

A new approach for high volumes of small satellite structures uses low-CTE, low-cost CFRP cellular core, robust single-ply skins and modular panel systems to cut lead time, labor and cost for reflectors, solar arrays and more.

Episode 50: Markus Rufer, Scorpius Space Launch Co.

In this episode of CW Talks, CW interviews Scorpius Space Launch Co. CEO Markus Rufer about the company’s all-composite cryogenic pressure vessels and their role in a range of applications, including recent and upcoming lunar lander missions. 

A return to the Space Symposium: Charting the next frontier

Since 2019 the space sector has been on a rapid upward trajectory. This year’s Space Symposium delivered that same optimism, celebrating the community’s continued proliferation, even as political and financial uncertainty raise new questions.

CIRA qualifies CMC structures for the reusable Space Rider

Italian team designs, builds and tests multiple large, complex thermal protection system structures made from patented ISiComp C/C-SiC ceramic matrix composites.

Composites end markets: New space (2025)

Composite materials — with their unmatched strength-to-weight ratio, durability in extreme environments and design versatility — are at the heart of innovations in satellites, propulsion systems and lunar exploration vehicles, propelling the space economy toward a $1.8 trillion future.

Ceramic matrix composites: Faster, cheaper, higher temperature

New players proliferate, increasing CMC materials and manufacturing capacity, novel processes and automation to meet demand for higher part volumes and performance.

Optimizing a CFRP landing leg demonstrator

MT Aerospace achieves design for manufacturing, integrating multiple elements into one-piece structure using AFP and 3D printed tooling to meet time and budget constraints.

Composites business growth through diversification, innovation

San Diego-based 2024 Top Shops qualifier Rock West Composites gives an overview of its relentless commitment to improvement, including its composite capabilities and its role as a trusted player in the space market.

Carbeon C/C-SiC ceramic matrix composites without fiber coating

Dutch startup Arceon is working with leaders in space, hypersonics and industry to test its Carbeon CMC, validating near-net-shape parts with <3% porosity and performance at 1600ºC, targeting UHTCMC and a presence in the U.S. in 2025.