Space Forge receives launch license for space factory
UK startup Space Forge has secured a licence to launch its space factory.
The license from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will allow the launch of the ForgeStar-1 later this year to test out manufacturing power semiconductor materials in orbit. It will also test the heat shield that allows the materials to return to earth.
This follows the ill-fated launch of the ForgeStar-0 on the aborted Virgin Orbit mission in January 2023 from the Newquay spaceport in Cornwall.
The licence approval paves the way for Space Forge’s first in-orbit demonstration mission to establish a scalable, returnable, and re-launchable platform for manufacturing high-performance semiconductor materials in space.
ForgeStar-1 will also test the mechanics of the Pridwen heat shield for safe, reusable satellite re-entry.
“This is a ground breaking licence for the UK space sector that paves the way for in orbit manufacturing and the amazing potential of this new industry,” said Colin Macleod, Head of the UK Space Regulator at the UK Civil Aviation Authority. “Through our work with innovators in the space sector we are enabling exciting new space missions and supporting the industry to grow.”
Joshua Western, CEO and Co-Founder of Space Forge, commented: “This licence award is a key mission milestone and we’re looking forward to demonstrating how our scalable, reusable manufacturing platform can drive progress and benefits for us on Earth. Space Forge is breaking new ground being the first UK company to achieve a licence for in-orbit manufacturing.”
Space Forge has been backed by the NATO innovation fund and has a key partnership with US aerospace group Northrup Grumman.
If you enjoyed this article, you will like the following ones: don't miss them by subscribing to :
