NATO Backs British Start-Up to Build Space Factories
A British start-up, Space Forge, has secured funding from NATO’s $1.1bn investment fund to develop robot factories in space. These factories will utilize low-gravity conditions to produce high-purity crystals for cutting-edge microchips, new medicines, and super-alloys.
Located in Cardiff, Space Forge aims to launch reusable satellites into orbit. These satellites will return to Earth using a unique “Mary Poppins-style” umbrella technology. This innovation represents a significant advancement in dual-use technologies, enhancing NATO’s strategic capabilities against global competitors.
BIG NEWS! We've been selected for a share of the $1 billion NATO Innovation Fund investment 💸
With NATO's support, we'll advance ForgeStar's architecture & unlock new capabilities in semiconductor manufacturing.@Reutershttps://t.co/CVtMw90PbU#ISAM #NIF @NATO pic.twitter.com/TmLvP8qGhm
— Space Forge (@Space_Forge) June 18, 2024
Revolutionary Space Manufacturing Technology
The low-gravity conditions in space allow Space Forge to grow highly pure “seed” crystals. These crystals are essential for producing sophisticated microchips that run faster and consume less energy. The potential improvements include a 50% increase in radar range and satellites that are 30% to 50% smaller.
Space Forge has partnered with Northrop Grumman to develop more powerful radar systems using these advanced microchips. CEO Josh Western emphasizes that the next industrial revolution will occur in space, driven by groundbreaking chemistry advancements:
“What we tell people is that the next industrial revolution is not going to be here on Earth, it is going to be in space. It’s a really fundamental chemistry breakthrough.” – Josh Western, CEO of Space Forge Ltd.
Upcoming Test Missions
Space Forge plans to conduct a test within the next 12 months to validate their landing technology, using a SpaceX rocket launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The subsequent mission will demonstrate the safe return of space-made crystals to Earth. The NATO Innovation Fund’s investment supports the construction of the Forgestar 2 platform for the second test.
NATO’s Commitment to Disruptive Technologies
NATO’s Innovation Fund, established in 2022, aims to nurture technologies that enhance security and defense. Alongside Space Forge, the fund is backing Bristol-based iCOMAT, London-based Fractile, and Germany’s ARX Robotics. These companies exemplify disruptive technologies that will support the alliance’s resilience.
Meet the largest seed funding round for a European #DefenceTech to date! ARX Robotics, a manufacturer of scalable robotic systems for dual-use applications, raises a €9m seed from @NATO Innovation Fund, Discovery Ventures and Project A. pic.twitter.com/5cOJyFAQok
— Project A (@ProjectAcom) June 10, 2024
Andrea Traversone, the fund’s managing partner, highlighted the mandate to support these innovations and ensure adoption by the 24 member nations:
“Our mandate is to back disruptive technologies to support defence, security and resilience in the alliance and these four companies are all good examples of that. But the most important thing we want to do is help these companies get their technologies adopted by our investors, the 24 member nations.”
The fund operates on a 15-year horizon but does not disclose the size of its investments.
We're named as one of 'The UK’s Fastest Growing Deeptech Companies in 2024' by @Beauhurst
Our innovative work in in-space manufacturing continues to gain recognition – let's keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
👀https://t.co/xizL2WnXZn#AdvancedMaterials #Satellite
— Space Forge (@Space_Forge) June 13, 2024
Is the next industrial revolution destined to take place beyond Earth’s atmosphere?
As Space Forge prepares for its upcoming test missions, the future of space manufacturing looks promising. With NATO’s support, the potential for advancements in microchips, medicines, and other technologies could revolutionize industries on Earth and beyond. What do you think about the possibilities of space factories? Share your thoughts and comments below!
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash