Cardiff-based venture Space Forge has secured regulatory approval to launch its pioneering satellite manufacturing next-generation super materials and advanced semiconductors in space. The start-up has secured the first º£½ÇÊÓƵ licence for in-space advanced manufacturing (ISAM) from the Civil Aviation Authority with its ForgeStar-1 satellite set to launch later this year.
This follows the ill-fated launch of the ForgeStar-0 on the aborted Virgin Orbit mission in 2023 from the Newquay spaceport in Cornwall.
Space Forge’s demonstration of ForgeStar-1 will mark its next step in establishing a scalable, returnable, and re-launchable platform for manufacturing high-performance semiconductor materials in space, which could reduce manufacturing emissions by 75%.
By harnessing the unique conditions of space - including microgravity, vacuum, and extreme temperature differentials - it is seeking to unlock the ability to manufacture materials that are impossible to produce on earth.
These advancements have wide-reaching applications in semiconductors, quantum computing, clean energy, and defence technologies. Research suggests that manufacturing these materials in space could reduce Co2 emissions by 75% in high-value infrastructure - delivering breakthroughs in security, defence, and climate-focused innovation.
ForgeStar-1 will also test the mechanics of the Pridwen shield - Space Forge’s innovative heat shield designed to facilitate safe, reusable satellite re-entry.
Joshua Western, chief executive and co-founder of Space Forge, said: “This licence award is a key mission milestone and we’re looking forward to demonstrating how our scalable, reusable manufacturing platform can drive progress and benefits for us on earth.
Space Forge is breaking new ground being the first º£½ÇÊÓƵ company to achieve a licence for in-orbit manufacturing.â€
The ForgeStar-1 mission will validate the ForgeStar platform’s capability to deliver high-value materials from space while demonstrating key technologies essential for the future of in-orbit manufacturing.â€
Colin Macleod, head of the º£½ÇÊÓƵ space regulator at the º£½ÇÊÓƵ Civil Aviation Authority said: “This is a ground breaking licence for the º£½ÇÊÓƵ space sector that paves the way for in orbit manufacturing and the amazing potential of this new industry.
“Through our work with innovators in the space sector we are enabling exciting new space missions and supporting the industry to grow.â€
Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: “Space Forge’s license is another resounding vote of confidence in the º£½ÇÊÓƵ’s space sector, which has secured record levels of investment through the European Space Agency in the last quarter of 2024.
“Developing technologies that would be otherwise impossible to manufacture on Earth, in orbit, demonstrates how space will play a vital role in boosting economic growth.â€
