Andrew Bacon (Space Forge)
Overview
Andrew Bacon is a prominent figure in the field of aerospace and space technology, particularly known for his role as the Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Space Forge, a UK-based spacetech startup. Space Forge aims to revolutionize space-based manufacturing by developing reusable satellites to produce advanced materials in the zero-gravity environment of space. Bacon's innovative work has been instrumental in advancing the company's mission to leverage space for industrial-scale production of materials that could significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions on Earth.
Recent Developments
In the last couple of years, Andrew Bacon and Space Forge have made significant strides in securing funding and advancing their technological capabilities:
- May 2025: Space Forge raised a substantial $30 million in a Series A funding round led by the NATO Innovation Fund. This round is notable for being the largest Series A in UK space tech history and underlines the potential military and industrial applications of Space Forge’s technology. It will fund the development of ForgeStar-2, a returnable satellite designed for manufacturing in low Earth orbit. The mission correlates with plans for a satellite launch later in 2025, aptly named "The Forge Awakens," which marks a significant advancement in space-based semiconductor production TechCrunch.
- 2024-2025: Space Forge opened an office in Portugal, which is strategically located on the island of Santa Maria in the Azores to serve as a European hub for satellite returns. This aligns with the company’s goal to establish a return infrastructure across Europe (TechCrunch).
- 2023: The company faced a setback when its inaugural ForgeStar-0 satellite was lost during a Virgin Orbit launch failure. However, Space Forge quickly pivoted to accelerate the development of its next satellite, ForgeStar-1, scheduled for a launch within the year.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Andrew Bacon |
| Born | Not publicly available |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Co-Founder and CTO of Space Forge |
| Known For | Space-based manufacturing, CTO of Space Forge |
| Net Worth | Not publicly available |
| Education | Electronic Engineering with Space Science Technology from the University of Bath |
Early Life and Education
Andrew Bacon cultivated a strong foundation in engineering and space science, which were pivotal to his future career. He studied Electronic Engineering with Space Science Technology at the University of Bath, from where he graduated with a comprehensive understanding of satellite communications and space vehicle design. His early career was characterized by roles at notable organizations such as Clyde Space and Thales Alenia Space, where he gained valuable experience in satellite systems. His tenure at Thales Alenia Space laid the groundwork for his technical leadership at Space Forge.
Career and Notable Achievements
Andrew Bacon’s career is marked by significant contributions to the field of space technology:
- 2018: Co-founded Space Forge with Joshua Western, focusing on developing reusable satellites to enable manufacturing in microgravity.
- Pre-2018: Held roles in various engineering capacities, including Senior Space Systems Engineer at Thales Alenia Space, where he was involved in projects that likely informed his future innovations at Space Forge (The Org).
- Space Forge Initiatives: Under Bacon's technical direction, Space Forge has pioneered the ForgeStar platform, a reusable on-orbit fabrication satellite that aims to deliver significant efficiencies in the production of semiconductors and other advanced materials in space.
Current Work and Impact
Currently, Andrew Bacon leads Space Forge's technical initiatives, which focus on harnessing space's unique environment to manufacture advanced materials that could reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption on Earth. The ForgeStar platform is particularly groundbreaking as it enables the production of superior semiconductor materials used in various applications, including quantum computing and defense systems. Space Forge's innovative approach is poised to set new paradigms in material science and environmental sustainability, marking a critical advancement in space-based technology.
Conclusion
Andrew Bacon’s work at Space Forge reflects a visionary approach to leveraging space for sustainable and advanced manufacturing. His contributions are not only advancing the UK's role in space technology but are also setting a precedent for future developments in global tech industries. As Space Forge continues to innovate and expand, Bacon’s pioneering efforts could have substantial implications for both the aerospace sector and environmental technology, making his work crucial for the coming years.