Welsh startup Space Forge has raised $30mn to advance its first commercial in-orbit manufacturing satellite, ForgeStar-2. The NATO Innovation Fund led the funding round, the largest Series<\/a> A financing in UK space tech history.<\/span><\/p>\n Space Forge\u2019s first demonstrator \u2014 the ForgeStar-1 \u2014 is set to launch from the US on a SpaceX rocket this year. <\/span>The oven-sized satellite will then harness the conditions of space to produce \u201csupermaterials\u201d that are impossible to make on Earth.<\/span><\/p>\n Joshua Western, Space Forge\u2019s CEO and co-founder, compared the technology<\/a> to a sourdough starter \u2014 a small but potent base for growing something much bigger.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cOur satellites utilise the zero-gravity, ultra-cold, vacuum environment of space to produce tiny crystals of a higher quality than could ever be made otherwise,\u201d Western explained.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Open AI, Cherry Ventures Datasnipper, Monzo, bunq & many more confirmed for TNW Conference 2025<\/p>\n Join 1000s of founders, investors and innovation champions in Amsterdam on June 19 & 20.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Once returned to Earth, the crystal \u201cseeds\u201d can be used to grow larger crystals that form the basis of ultra-efficient computer chips, which could power everything from data centres to telecoms networks. Space Forge says these semiconductors could halve the time it takes to charge an EV. The technology could also be used to make new metal alloys or pharmaceutical drugs. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n At least, that\u2019s the long-term vision \u2014 but Space Forge hasn\u2019t yet made its materials in space, and ForgeStar-1 won\u2019t be coming back to Earth. Instead, the satellite will be intentionally burned up in the atmosphere.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Sensors on board, however, will enable the team to measure whether the crystal-forming process was a success. The first mission aims to validate the startup\u2019s key technologies in preparation for the launch of ForgeStar-2.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Designed to be reusable, ForgeStar-2 will be equipped with a heat shield called Griffon that will protect its precious payload from the intense heat and pressure of re-entry. That could enable it to make regular trip<\/a>s to space and deliver new seeds back to labs on Earth.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Space Forge predicts its crystal seeds could be worth up to \u00a345mn ($60mn) per kg, which would easily cover the costs of launch. The company also claims that the power-saving gains of its semiconductors in technologies like EVs will offset the carbon emitted when launching the satellite.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Space Forge will use the fresh funding to accelerate the development of ForgeStar-2. As hinted by NATO\u2019s participation in the round, the company\u2019s technology could also have potential app<\/a>lications in security and defence. It may enhance European security by enabling the production of advanced materials for defence systems and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers for critical components.<\/span><\/p>\n Chris O\u2019Connor, partner at NATO Innovation Fund, said Space Forge would advance Europe\u2019s access to space, supply chain independence, and long-term resiliency.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe look forward to working with the Space Forge team to leverage their technological breakthroughs in order to secure the future of NATO nations,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n If you liked the article, do not forget to share it with your friends. Follow us on\u00a0Google News<\/a><\/span>\u00a0too, click on the star and choose us from your favorites.<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n If you want to read more like this article, you can visit our Technology category.<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
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