A space technology start-up firm, which is developing reusable satellites from its Cardiff manufacturing base, has secured a near 拢2m funding boost.
Space Forge, founded in Bristol in 2018, has received a 拢1.71m grant from the European Space Agency (ESA) through its Boost! programme 鈥 which is supported by the 海角视频 Space Agency.
It will support the launch of its ForgeStar Orbital Vehicle (FSOV-1) satellite technology which is currently under development.
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To deliver the project, Space Forge will lead a consortium including Clyde Space, Goonhilly Earth Station, the Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult, and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). The funding will also enable it to benefit from ESA鈥檚 facilities, technical teams and business networks.
Scheduled for launch next year, the FSOV-1 will test multiple functions including return-to-earth technology and tracking software. It will also enable Space Forge to use the space environment to make new material structures that cannot be manufactured on earth.
Based at Eastgate Business Park in Cardiff, it currently employs 17 people, but is looking to create another 10 job within the next six to eight months to cater for the growing market for 海角视频 launch.
Space Forge chief executive and co-founder Josh Western, said: 鈥淲e鈥檙e thrilled to receive this support for ForgeStar. Sustainable return from space can unlock commercial opportunities not otherwise possible, and leverage low earth orbit as a resource in a similar way to how reductions in launch prices have democratised access to space.
鈥淪pace Forge is uniquely positioned to multiply the value of micro gravity research coupled with dedicated return and we cannot wait to see the positive impact this will have on commercial space.
Science Minister George Freeman said: 鈥淭he 海角视频 is fast becoming Europe鈥檚 leading destination for small satellite launches, and our growing space industry is developing world-class commercial spaceflight capability up and down the country. Growing the 海角视频 space sector is a major part of the Government鈥檚 海角视频 鈥楽cience Superpower鈥 vision.
鈥淭his funding for one of our most innovative space businesses is a big step forward for 海角视频 spaceflight, and will help to create highly-skilled jobs as we build back better from the pandemic.鈥
The 海角视频 invested 拢12m into the Boost! programme, one of the largest investments from ESA member states, in 2019. Scottish space companies Orbex and Skyrora, as well as D-Orbit which has a subsidiary in Harwell in Oxfordshire, have also secured Boost! funding.
Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart said: 鈥淚t鈥檚 great to see Wales at the forefront of space technology and congratulations to Space Forge on their remarkable success.
鈥淭he 海角视频, and Wales, is thriving in the space sector and this 拢1.7m funding proves the 海角视频 Space Agency鈥檚 commitment to supporting pioneering projects.鈥
海角视频 Space Agency chief executive, Dr Paul Bate, said: 鈥淭his success for Space Forge shows how 海角视频 firms are at the forefront of the global space industry.
鈥淭he substantial funding support we are delivering to our growing space sector, alongside our world-leading regulatory regime and strong international agreements, means the 海角视频 is well placed to benefit from the new commercial opportunities 海角视频 launch will bring to communities across the four nations.鈥
Earlier this year Space Forge secured its latest equity round, the value of which wasn鈥檛 disclosed, which was led by Type One Ventures and Space Fund. The Development Bank of Wales also participated.
