• Completed first phase of ADF contract for 3D-printed propulsion system
• Achieved design freeze milestone, underscoring technical excellence
• Advancing understanding of printed propulsion systems for Defence applications

Aurora Labs Ltd (ASX: A3D) has reached a major milestone in its contract with the Australian Department of Defence (ADF) for the development of a novel 3D-printed propulsion system. The company has successfully completed the first phase of the contract, which includes the engine design freeze, establishment of a test cell, and procurement of long lead manufacturing items. This achievement underscores Aurora Labs' technical excellence and represents a significant strategic step forward in advancing the company's understanding of printed propulsion systems for Defence applications. The design phase involved comprehensive engineering analysis, computational optimization, and performance assessment, culminating in a formal Design Review with Commonwealth Government representatives. Aurora Labs has also completed initial additive manufacturing printing trials, achieving density levels between 99.6% and 99.8% for the complex engine geometry. This demonstrates the company's capability in delivering high-integrity, mission-specific aerospace components, which are not currently manufactured in Australia. The development of this sovereign propulsion solution supports the objectives outlined in the Australian Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Plan, as well as Australia's commitments under the AUKUS initiative. Aurora Labs retains all intellectual property and commercialization rights to the novel propulsion system and will now proceed to the fabrication and testing activities, leading towards validation trials.

Aurora Labs remains focused on delivering a sovereign 3D-printed propulsion solution for Defence, showcasing the company's capacity for innovation, rapid development, and sovereign capability contribution. The next steps involve the manufacture of components using Aurora's Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) printing technology and generating a suite of ground test activities to confirm performance criteria.