Space Forge
Overview
Space Forge is an innovative aerospace manufacturing company that focuses on leveraging the unique conditions of space for the manufacturing of advanced materials. Founded in 2018 by Joshua Western and Andrew Bacon, the company is headquartered in Cardiff, Wales. By utilizing the microgravity, vacuum, and extreme temperature differentials present in space, Space Forge aims to create materials that cannot be produced on Earth, with applications in sectors such as semiconductors, quantum computing, clean energy, and defense. The company has recently raised £22.6 million ($30 million) in a record-setting Series A funding round.
Recent Developments
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May 2025: Space Forge announced the opening of a new office in Portugal, on the island of Santa Maria in the Azores, marking the company's European expansion and establishing a new satellite return location in mainland Europe.
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May 31, 2025: TechCrunch reported that Space Forge had raised $30 million in a Series A funding round to develop wafer materials in space for semiconductors and quantum computing. The round was led by the NATO Innovation Fund, and the investment supports the development of the ForgeStar-2 satellite and the 2025 launch of ForgeStar-1.
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May 2025: The company launched its "The Forge Awakens" mission, part of its plan to demonstrate advanced materials manufacturing in space. The mission aims to showcase the potential of space-made semiconductors.
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April 2023: The company unveiled its Pridwen heat shield technology, a reusable system designed to make space reentry safer and more cost-effective. This development was supported by the UK and European Space Agencies.
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March 2025: A significant Series A funding round of £22.6 million (approximately $30 million) was completed, marking the largest Series A in UK space tech history. The funding will accelerate the development of Space Forge's ForgeStar satellites and their manufacturing capabilities in space.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2018 |
| Headquarters | Cardiff, Wales |
| Founders | Joshua Western, Andrew Bacon |
| Revenue | Not publicly disclosed |
| Profits | Not publicly disclosed |
| Key Investors | NATO Innovation Fund, World Fund, NSSIF, British Business Bank |
| Industry | Aerospace Manufacturing |
| Number of Employees | Approximately 51 |
Early History
Space Forge was founded in 2018 by Joshua Western and Andrew Bacon, two pioneers with backgrounds in aerospace and materials science. The company was established with the vision of harnessing the unique conditions of space to enable the production of advanced materials that are difficult or impossible to manufacture on Earth. Initial funding came from multiple angel investors and seed capital, which allowed Space Forge to develop its concept of returnable satellites for in-space manufacturing. The first significant breakthrough came with the design of the ForgeStar platform, which is capable of manufacturing in microgravity and returning to Earth for reuse.
Company Profile and Achievements
Space Forge operates within the burgeoning field of in-space manufacturing, using its proprietary ForgeStar satellite platform to manufacture high-performance materials under the conditions of microgravity, vacuum, and extreme temperatures found in space. Key achievements include:
- Development of ForgeStar Satellite Platform: A pioneering framework for manufacturing materials in space with the capability of returning these materials to Earth safely.
- Innovative Heat Shield Technology: The Pridwen heat shield, which employs advanced heat dissipation techniques to ensure safe reentry, marks a significant advancement in reusable space technology.
- Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with major aerospace firms like Sierra Space and Northrop Grumman to advance the commercial viability of their technology.
- Funding Milestones: The completion of a $30 million Series A funding round, a record for UK space tech, underscores market confidence in Space Forge's innovative approach to space-based manufacturing.
Current Operations and Market Position
Currently, Space Forge is preparing for the launch of its ForgeStar-1 and ForgeStar-2 satellites, which are designed to demonstrate the feasibility and scalability of in-space manufacturing. The company positions itself as a leader in the development of high-performance materials in space, aiming to transform industries like semiconductors and clean energy by offering materials that outperform Earth-produced counterparts. By leveraging unique space conditions, Space Forge is set to impact key sectors by reducing CO2 emissions and energy use, enhancing the UK and Europe's strategic independence in critical technologies.
Conclusion
Space Forge's innovative approach to manufacturing in space stands at the forefront of a new industrial revolution. By utilizing the unique conditions in space to produce materials with superior properties, the company not only aims to transform high-performance industries on Earth but also significantly contribute to global sustainability goals. As Space Forge prepares for the launch of its ForgeStar missions, its strategic partnerships and substantial funding position it as a leader in the aerospace manufacturing industry. The success of these missions could redefine manufacturing paradigms and establish space as a practical platform for industrial-scale production.