ForgeStar-1 satellite, due to launch later this year, will be used to produce complex materials for the semiconductor industry that can’t be manufactured on Earth
A Cardiff-based company is busy preparing to launch its second satellite, as part of what it claims is a new ‘industrial revolution’ in space. The company, Space Forge, aims to use space as a platform for manufacturing the next generation of super-materials and advanced semiconductors essential to the future of tech.
Economy Secretary Rebecca Evans with Joshua Western, CEO and Co-founder of Space Forge
The fully returnable satellite, ForgeStar-1, will be used to demonstrate, in-orbit Space Forge’s unique technology to produce complex materials for the semiconductor industry that are difficult or impossible to manufacture on Earth. The company says such tech could reduce emissions in high-value manufacturing from critical national infrastructure by up to 75%.
As we’ve reported before, semiconductors are essential components in nearly all electronic devices, from phones and computers to power stations. More than 1tn (1,000,000,000,000) semiconductors are manufactured each year, the majority simple silicon ‘chips’. But some 20% now comprise two or more elements, ‘compound semiconductors’ that offer unique, specific properties that will be vital to the next generation of tech, in such things as electric vehicles (EVs) and green energy. The aim is to use ForgeStar-1 to lead such developments.
Space Force is also hoping to expand its activities by opening a microgravity research centre in south Wales. The result would be a capability unique to this country, with a combination of expertise in advanced materials and access to space.
The company previously secured £7.7m in Europe’s largest ever seed funding round for a space tech organisation. Research and development funding has also been provided by the Welsh government, which is currently working with Space Force to locate a suitable site for its expanded base.
Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning at the Welsh government, recently toured the current Space Forge facility and says: ‘Delivering high-value manufacturing and innovation is part of the fabric of the Welsh industry and semiconductor technology is driving the economy of the 21st century. The Welsh government is determined to foster the industries of the future, including the rapidly growing space sector.
‘Space Forge is a real space success story, providing more than 60 highly skilled technical roles and supporting another thousand in the immediate supply chain, and we are delighted to be supporting them to realise their huge ambitions. It was fascinating to see the work ongoing at Space Forge and I wish them the best of luck for the launch of ForgeStar-1.’
Joshua Western, CEO and Co-founder of Space Forge, adds: ‘The support from the Welsh Government has been instrumental in our journey, from R&D funding to helping us scale our ambitions. The first phase of the National Microgravity Research Centre completing and our upcoming missions is making 2025 the year of proving in-space manufacturing as a new economy. We’re excited for what’s ahead and grateful to have Wales at the heart of it.’
Photo courtesy of Welsh government.
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