The Push to Make Semiconductors in Space Just Took a Serious Leap Forward
Space semiconductor manufacturing hits milestone
The long-sought idea of manufacturing semiconductors in space has moved from speculative future vision to tangible reality. On December 31, 2025 , Space Forge , a Cardiff-based aerospace startup, announced it successfully operated a high-temperature furnace aboard its ForgeStar-1 commercial satellite in low Earth orbit —an achievement that marks one of the first practical demonstrations of space-based semiconductor production . Why Space? The Microgravity Advantage Semiconductor fabrication on Earth is notoriously complex, requiring extremely clean, stable environments and multi-stage precision processes. In contrast, space environments offer unique physical advantages : Microgravity : In orbit, crystals can grow without the convection currents and sedimentation that disturb atomic alignment on Earth, potentially leading to materials with far fewer defects and higher purity . Vacuum and ultra-clean conditions: The natural vacuum of space reduces contamination. Extreme temperature control: Speci…
