A stellar Welsh start-up is ready to kick-start the next
industrial revolution in space.
Space Forge is putting the finishing touches to its second
satellite ahead of its launch later this year.
The ForgeStar®-1 will 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.
Space Forge believes it's technology can deliver significant
savings in energy and CO2 by reducing emissions in high value
manufacturing from critical national infrastructure by up to
75%.
The Cardiff-based company, which previously secured £7.7m in
Europe's largest ever seed funding round for a space tech
company, is also seeking to open a first-of-its-kind Microgravity
Research Centre in South Wales.
The centre will assist Space Forge to expand and provide a
national capability not found anywhere else in the world –
combining access to space with expertise in advanced materials.
The Welsh Government, which has helped Space Forge to grow into
the company it is today through research and development funding
and other support, is now assisting the company to find a bigger
base in South Wales.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, , visited Space Forge to
see ForgeStar®-1 this week.
She said:
“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 1000 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, said:
"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."
Notes to editors
- Space Forge is pioneering a clean industrial revolution by
using space as a platform to manufacture next-generation super
materials and advanced semiconductors. With fully returnable
satellites, Space Forge offers a scalable solution to produce and
bring back materials that are difficult or impossible to
manufacture on Earth, opening new frontiers for premium research
and development. Space Forge Ltd is based in Cardiff, UK, and
Space Forge Inc. operates from Florida, U.S. Globally, Space
Forge is focused on advancing the semiconductor market to support
national technological and economic objectives. The company
can be found at spaceforge.com
