Space Forge Partners With Texas A&M to Launch First US Manufacturing Hub
The Cardiff-based firm is expanding into the US to integrate in-orbit material growth with terrestrial processing.
Space Forge Inc. has signed a research collaboration agreement with The Texas A&M University System to establish its first semiconductor materials manufacturing and processing facility in the United States. The move marks a strategic expansion for the company as it seeks to bridge the gap between orbital production and domestic industrial scale-up.
Under the terms of the agreement, Space Forge will utilize the infrastructure of the Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute and the AggieFab Nanofabrication Facility, specifically leveraging their cleanrooms and material processing capabilities. The partnership will initially focus on terrestrial material growth and processing, with plans to expand into broader joint research over the next 12 to 24 months. Michelle Flemming, president of Space Forge Inc., stated that the Texas A&M System provides the necessary infrastructure, research strength, and talent to stand up the facility in a state that has demonstrated a serious commitment to both space and semiconductor advancement.
The Orbital Strategy
Based in Cardiff, Wales, Space Forge specializes in in-space manufacturing to bypass the limitations of Earth's gravity. The company previously launched the ForgeStar-1 satellite, which features a 1,000°C furnace designed to grow high-purity semiconductor ingots in orbit. To support the transition of these space-grown materials to commercial use, the company also established the National Microgravity Research Centre (NMRC) in the UK, which focuses on the terrestrial scale-up of materials produced in microgravity.
Industrial Implications
This expansion into Texas allows Space Forge to embed itself within one of the world's most active semiconductor and space ecosystems. By combining in-orbit manufacturing with US-based terrestrial processing, the company aims to disrupt the production of advanced semiconductor substrates. This strategy aligns with broader US national priorities to bolster domestic chip production. According to an SIA/BCG report, US domestic semiconductor manufacturing capacity is projected to grow 203 percent in the decade following the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act.
Future Outlook
As the collaboration with Texas A&M progresses, the industry will be watching how effectively Space Forge can integrate its orbital ingot growth with US-based fabrication. While the initial phase focuses on terrestrial processing, the long-term goal remains the commercialization of materials that can only be produced in the unique environment of space. The next two years of joint research will determine the pace at which these space-manufactured substrates can be integrated into the existing US semiconductor supply chain.