NATO supports a Welsh startup that is developing a space factory for producing 'supermaterials'.

      Welsh startup Space Forge has successfully secured $30 million to further develop its first commercial in-orbit manufacturing satellite, ForgeStar-2. The NATO Innovation Fund was the lead investor in this funding round, which marks the largest Series A financing in the history of UK space technology.

      The company’s initial demonstrator, ForgeStar-1, is slated for launch from the US aboard a SpaceX rocket this year. This satellite, which is roughly the size of an oven, will take advantage of the unique conditions in space to create "supermaterials" that cannot be produced on Earth.

      Joshua Western, CEO and co-founder of Space Forge, likened the technology to a sourdough starter—a small yet powerful foundation for expanding something much larger. "Our satellites utilize the zero-gravity, ultra-cold, vacuum environment of space to generate tiny crystals of a higher quality than those created otherwise," Western stated.

      Once these crystal "seeds" return to Earth, they can be used to grow larger crystals, which would serve as the foundation for ultra-efficient computer chips that could power a range of devices, from data centers to telecommunications networks. Space Forge claims that these semiconductors could reduce EV charging times by half. Additionally, the technology could be applied to create new metal alloys or pharmaceuticals.

      This reflects the long-term goal, though it's important to note that Space Forge has yet to produce materials in space, and ForgeStar-1 will not be returning to Earth; it will be deliberately incinerated in the atmosphere.

      However, onboard sensors will allow the team to assess whether the crystal-forming process was successful. The primary objective of the mission is to validate the key technologies of the startup in preparation for launching ForgeStar-2.

      ForgeStar-2 is designed to be reusable and will feature a heat shield called Griffon to protect its valuable payload from the extreme heat and pressure experienced during re-entry. This will enable regular missions to space and allow the transport of new seeds back to laboratories on Earth.

      Space Forge anticipates that its crystal seeds could command a value of up to £45 million ($60 million) per kilogram, easily covering launch expenses. The company also argues that the energy savings from its semiconductors in technologies like electric vehicles will compensate for the carbon emissions associated with launching the satellite.

      The newly acquired funding will expedite the development of ForgeStar-2. With NATO’s involvement in the funding round, it suggests that the company’s technology may also have relevant applications in defense and security. This could strengthen European security through the production of advanced materials for defense systems and lessen dependency on foreign suppliers for essential components.

      Chris O’Connor, a partner at NATO Innovation Fund, remarked that Space Forge would enhance Europe’s access to space, promote supply chain independence, and improve long-term resilience. "We look forward to collaborating with the Space Forge team to harness their technological advancements to secure the future for NATO nations," he expressed.