Tanbium: Europe's New Rocket Alloy - Promise and Uncertainty

Skyrora's ESA backed #Tanbium project marks strong progress in European aerospace materials innovation. Promising weight savings and less material waste through additive manufacturing, the commercial argument is also understood to be strong with lower costs for rocket engine components.

As an industry where companies scrabble to maintain cashflow, #space can sometimes be about surviving. Whereas #sustainability alignment sometimes comes to bear as a positive, only added to an already strong fiscal argument. It is so far seldom the the driver of positive change, in of itself.

So, what's ahead? Well merging Metalysis' process for powder production in the UK with Skyrora's printing aims to create a strong European manufacturing chain, thereby tackling Europe's current dependence on imported aerospace alloys, including US-sourced C103.

Whilst not completely clear to SustainabilityOf.Space, Tanbium is described as a using #tantalum and #niobium as its key ingredients. From here, the story becomes a touch more complex.

Tantalum, a by-product of tin mining, is understood to be dominated by sources from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda where conflict mineral concerns remain live. It is also sourced from Brazil, Nigeria, China, Australia, Colombia and other nations to a lesser extent.

Niobium supply however is highly concentrated, with Brazil producing around 88 to 90% globally and Canada another 9 to 10%. Considered less ethically contentious than tantalum, availability from just a couple of key nations creates its own supply chain risks.

For half of this story, parallel events become interesting too. In January 2025, the UK National Wealth Fund is understood to have invested around £28.6m to reopen Cornwall's South Crofty tin mine, with commercial production anticipated by 2027. Right now there is little or no tin mining in Europe or North America so a UK origin would be strong for tightening up the supply chain risk.

In assessing genuine supply chain sovereignty and ESG performance, transparency sits at the heart of things. Understanding better both the alloy composition, and having demonstrable, certified conflict-free, maybe UK-based, sourcing would transform into a model for responsible aerospace innovation.

https://orbitaltoday.com/2025/10/29/skyrora-to-pioneer-esa-led-project-developing-groundbreaking-3d-printed-rocket-alloy/ https://www.nationalwealthfund.org.uk/news/national-wealth-fund-drives-growth-ps286m-investment-cornish-metals-inc-facilitating-domestic

#OrbitalToday *Graphic Design: Victoria Beall