Space Forge Launches First US Manufacturing Base via Texas A&M Partnership

Space Forge Inc has signed a master research agreement with The Texas A&M University System to establish its first semiconductor materials manufacturing and processing capability in the United States. The move creates a critical domestic footprint for the company as it scales its advanced materials production.

Under the terms of the agreement, Space Forge will utilize the Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute and the AggieFab Nanofabrication Facility. The collaboration focuses on the development of high-quality substrates for advanced semiconductor applications, leveraging the university's existing cleanrooms and nanofabrication infrastructure. The partnership is structured to begin with terrestrial material growth and processing, with plans to expand into broader joint research over the next 12 to 24 months.

The Shift to US Soil

Originally based in Cardiff, Wales, Space Forge specializes in the production of materials that are difficult or impossible to manufacture on Earth by utilizing the unique environment of space. The company has already demonstrated technical viability in orbit, having successfully generated plasma aboard its ForgeStar-1 satellite in late 2025, following the satellite's launch in June of that year.

"This agreement is an important first step in establishing our manufacturing presence in the United States," said Michelle Flemming, President of Space Forge Inc. Steve Putna, Director of the Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute, added that Space Forge’s work in high-quality substrates aligns with the institute’s mission to drive disruptive, next-generation research.

Strategic Industry Implications

This expansion arrives during a period of aggressive growth for the American chip industry. According to data from the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) and Boston Consulting Group (BCG), US domestic semiconductor manufacturing capacity is projected to grow 203% in the decade following the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act. By establishing a US base, Space Forge aligns its operational growth with these national priorities to increase domestic capacity and innovation in advanced materials.

Future Outlook

While the current phase of the partnership focuses on terrestrial processing, the long-term trajectory of Space Forge remains tied to orbital manufacturing. The industry will be watching to see how the terrestrial research conducted at Texas A&M informs the company's future space-based production cycles. The next two years will determine how quickly the joint research evolves from initial material growth into scalable, commercial semiconductor applications.