The Exploration Company takes over Thrustworks GmbH

The European aerospace company The Exploration Company (TEC) has announced the acquisition of Thrustworks GmbH. The company from North Rhine-Westphalia specializes in the additive manufacturing of complex drive components and will strengthen TEC's supply chain and technological base in the future. With the acquisition, TEC is creating the basis for additional production capacities, new jobs and a deepened industrialization of critical aerospace technologies in Germany.

Expanded expertise in high-performance materials and coatings

Thrustworks has expertise in the processing of printed refractory metals, the development of oxidation-resistant coatings and the manufacture of complex propulsion components. Particularly noteworthy is the ability to additively manufacture and coat high-performance thrust chambers made from the niobium alloy C103. This is a technology that has rarely been commercially available in the EU to date.

These components are used in both civil space applications and in the defense sector. By integrating this technology, TEC gains a key competence that leads to greater vertical integration, more independence from global supply chains and accelerated implementation of technical development programs.

Investments and capacity expansion in North Rhine-Westphalia

As part of the acquisition, Thrustworks will expand its production facilities in North Rhine-Westphalia and set up new production lines. In addition, the team will be expanded to meet the increasing demand from the aerospace, defense and related industries.

We intend to offer our customers applications ranging from satellite engines to engines for defense purposes.

Hélène Huby, CEO and founder of The Exploration Company

The investments not only strengthen TEC's internal roadmap, but also open up new external sales potential. The expanded capacities are intended to support companies facing similar technical and regulatory challenges with drive components.

Strategic move to strengthen a resilient supply chain

TEC aims to develop its products to meet both its own programs and external customer requirements. Internal control over performance, quality and production processes enables clear technological differentiation. At the same time, the company sees growing opportunities in marketing its solutions to third parties.

Joining TEC is a decisive step for Thrustworks. Together we will expand our activities in North Rhine-Westphalia and increase our additive manufacturing capabilities to strengthen Europe's resilient aerospace supply chain.

Christopher Mihm, Managing Director of Thrustworks GmbH

The acquisition of Thrustworks supports this approach by bundling technological capabilities and making them scalable. For TEC, the move means a stronger position in the European market and more resilience in an increasingly dynamic space environment.

The Exploration Company

The Exploration Company was founded in 2021 by Hélène Huby and is one of the leading European companies in the field of space logistics. The company's mission is to build an accessible, sustainable and collaborative space transportation and supply system. With around 400 employees at locations in Munich, Bordeaux, Turin, Luxembourg, Houston and Dubai, TEC develops modular space systems for international customers. In 2024, TEC closed a Series B financing round of 150 million euros, one of the largest capital rounds in the European space sector.