Chromatic 3D Materials Launches Advanced Rocket Propellant Testing at Camp Ripley Facility

Chromatic 3D Materials has established a strategic rocket propellant test-firing capability at Minnesota’s Camp Ripley, marking a significant advancement in national defense manufacturing. Through a five-year lease agreement, the company has created an integrated, closed-loop environment that allows for the rapid transition from 3D-printed fabrication to live-fire evaluation. This initiative, supported by the Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Minnesota, accelerates development cycles for next-generation propellant technologies.

By co-locating an on-site print lab with dedicated firing infrastructure, Chromatic 3D Materials can now refine performance metrics and validate new grain geometries in an operationally relevant environment. CEO Cora Leibig emphasized that this agility is crucial for modern defense, as it significantly reduces the lead time required to deliver high-performance propulsion solutions to rocket manufacturers and warfighters alike.

Beyond propulsion, the project includes a collaboration with LEMA to test forward-deployed solar power generation. This effort explores the potential for energy-independent, expeditionary manufacturing in austere environments. By integrating portable power with advanced additive manufacturing, the partnership aims to enhance the resilience and flexibility of the U.S. defense industrial base, ensuring mission readiness in resource-constrained settings.