Space Forge Secures $30M to Manufacture Chip Materials in Orbit
▼ Summary
– Semiconductor demand is surging, but silicon’s limitations are pushing the need for new materials, potentially sourced from space.
– Space Forge, a U.K. startup, raised £22.6M to manufacture defect-free semiconductor materials in space, leveraging microgravity for superior quality.
– The company collaborates with BT and defense partners like Northrop Grumman, highlighting applications in 5G, quantum computing, and defense systems.
– Space Forge is developing innovative return technologies, like the “Mary Poppins” umbrella and Pridwen heat shield, to safely bring materials back to Earth.
– Despite a failed first mission, Space Forge is preparing for a 2024 launch of its ForgeStar-1 demonstrator, aiming to prove scalable, sustainable semiconductor production.
The semiconductor industry faces unprecedented demand, yet traditional silicon-based materials are reaching their physical limits. One innovative solution comes from an unexpected place—Earth’s orbit. Space Forge, a Welsh startup based in Cardiff, has secured $30 million in Series A funding to pioneer the production of advanced semiconductor materials in space, where unique microgravity conditions enable higher-quality crystal growth.
Space-based manufacturing offers distinct advantages for next-generation electronics. The absence of gravity and other terrestrial constraints allows for the creation of materials with fewer defects, enhancing performance in applications ranging from 5G infrastructure to quantum computing. Earlier projects, such as a collaboration with BT, demonstrated how space-grown crystals could reduce power consumption in telecom networks—a compelling proof of concept for investors.
The company’s approach builds on decades of research, proving that orbital manufacturing isn’t just theoretical. “We’re leveraging 50 years of scientific groundwork,” explained CEO Joshua Western. “The improvements in material quality are undeniable.” These advancements have caught the attention of defense and tech leaders, including NATO’s Innovation Fund and Northrop Grumman, both of which see strategic value in securing resilient supply chains for critical components.
Launch logistics, once a major hurdle, are now considered a “solved problem” thanks to partnerships with established space transport providers. However, the real challenge lies in engineering systems that withstand the harsh conditions of space while ensuring cost-effective returns. Space Forge’s solution includes Pridwen, a reusable heat shield inspired by Arthurian legend, and Fielder, a floating recovery net designed for gentle ocean landings.
Expanding its footprint, the company recently opened a facility in Portugal’s Azores, positioning itself as a key player in Europe’s push for semiconductor independence. With geopolitical tensions highlighting the risks of over-reliance on Asian chip production, Space Forge’s mission aligns with broader regional goals. “A sustainable, sovereign supply of advanced materials is non-negotiable,” emphasized Daria Saharova of World Fund, a lead investor.
Despite setbacks—like the loss of its first satellite during Virgin Orbit’s failed 2023 launch—Space Forge is pushing forward. Its next mission, “The Forge Awakens,” aims to deploy the ForgeStar-1 demonstrator later this year. If successful, it could mark the beginning of a new era in high-performance electronics, proving that the future of manufacturing might just lie beyond our atmosphere.
(Source: TechCrunch)
