Space Forge Secures $30M Series A to Revolutionize Chip Manufacturing in Space
The Next Frontier in Semiconductor Innovation
As global demand for advanced semiconductors surges—driven by AI, electric vehicles, and quantum computing—traditional silicon is reaching its physical limits. The solution? Manufacturing next-generation chip materials in the unique environment of space.
UK-based startup Space Forge has raised £22.6 million ($30 million) in Series A funding to turn this vision into reality. The Cardiff, Wales company is leveraging microgravity and vacuum conditions to produce superior semiconductor materials with fewer defects and enhanced performance.
Why Space Manufacturing Matters
- Higher Quality Materials: Space’s weightlessness enables near-perfect crystal growth, reducing defects that degrade performance
- Energy Efficiency: Early projects with BT demonstrate potential to reduce power consumption in 5G infrastructure
- Dual-Use Applications: Advanced materials support both commercial tech (quantum computing) and defense systems
“We’re building on 50 years of research proving space manufacturing’s potential,” CEO Joshua Western told TechCrunch. “The performance improvements are profound.”
Strategic Backing and Partnerships
The funding round was led by the NATO Innovation Fund, with participation from climate tech VC World Fund. Space Forge has also partnered with defense giant Northrop Grumman, highlighting the technology’s strategic importance.
Overcoming Engineering Challenges
Space Forge is developing innovative solutions for the complex logistics of space manufacturing:
- Pridwen Heat Shield: A reusable thermal protection system inspired by King Arthur’s legendary shield
- Fielder Recovery System: A floating net technology for gentle ocean landings
- “Mary Poppins” Descent: An umbrella-like device enabling controlled atmospheric re-entry
European Expansion and Future Plans
The company recently opened a Portuguese office in the Azores, establishing a European satellite return infrastructure. With new funding, Space Forge is preparing its “Forge Awakens” mission—a nod to Star Wars—to launch the ForgeStar-1 demonstrator later this year.
The Bigger Picture
Space manufacturing addresses two critical challenges:
- Supply Chain Resilience: Reducing reliance on Asian semiconductor production
- Sustainability: Potential for carbon-negative manufacturing when scaled
While technical hurdles remain, Space Forge represents a bold step toward making orbital manufacturing commercially viable. As Western puts it: “Physics has the answers—engineering is how we get there.”
Image Credits: Space Forge
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