Materials production
This will be a transition from technology demonstration to large-scale materials production in orbit. Specifically, manufacturing ultra-high quality substrates for next-generation quantum computing and other advanced electronics markets.
“Space Forge is unlocking a new era of materials production in orbit,” said White. “By creating advanced semiconductors and substrates impossible to make on Earth, the company has the potential to transform industries worldwide.”
“I’m excited to support the team in realising this vision, building on their strong foundations to make Space Forge a true global leader.”
The company launched ForgeStar-1 in June to demonstrate its ability to manufacture advanced materials in microgravity. This is its returnable satellite platform that supports micro-gravity experiments and manufacturing. Satellites based on the platform are designed for reuse after conducting operations in space for between one and six months.
The Welsh startup has already been backed by the ESA as part of its Boost! Programme. And NATO also recently backed it through the Nato Innovation Fund.
The company is preparing for a Series B funding round.
Scott White
Scott White is the founder of Pragmatic Semiconductor, which raised more than raised £400 million in funding.
A member of the UK Government’s Semiconductor Advisory Panel, he has involvement in nine other tech startups. These span semiconductors, robotics and quantum computing. And he was also the Deep Tech Entrepreneur of the Year in 2022.
“[Scott’s] insight into semiconductors and growth capital will be pivotal as we move from proving our technology in orbit to delivering materials at industrial scale,” said Joshua Western, CEO & Co-founder, Space Forge.
“With Scott as Chair, we’re accelerating towards our goal of making Space Forge the world leader in on-orbit manufacturing.”
MOU
In November last year, Space Forge signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Voyager Space to support in-space research and manufacturing.
Under the agreement, the companies will explore integrating ForgeStar with Voyager’s existing orbital capabilities. They’ll also work together on funding applications for commercial customers.
