Space Forge secures UK approval to launch first orbital manufacturing satellite

Written by Copernical Team Friday, 21 March 2025 08:38

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London, UK (SPX) Mar 20, 2025

Space Forge has achieved a historic milestone in the UK space industry by securing a launch licence from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for its ForgeStar-1 satellite, the nation's first in-orbit advanced manufacturing platform. Scheduled for deployment later in 2025, ForgeStar-1 will mark Wales' inaugural ISAM (In-Space Advanced Manufacturing) mission and reinforce Space Forge's leadershi

Space Forge secures UK approval to launch first orbital manufacturing satellite
by Sophie Jenkins
London, UK (SPX) Mar 20, 2025

Space Forge has achieved a historic milestone in the UK space industry by securing a launch licence from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for its ForgeStar-1 satellite, the nation's first in-orbit advanced manufacturing platform. Scheduled for deployment later in 2025, ForgeStar-1 will mark Wales' inaugural ISAM (In-Space Advanced Manufacturing) mission and reinforce Space Forge's leadership in orbital material production and return systems.

This regulatory greenlight enables Space Forge to proceed with its debut in-orbit demonstration, which aims to showcase the feasibility of its reusable, scalable satellite designed to produce advanced semiconductor materials in space environments. The company leverages the distinct advantages of the space environment-such as zero gravity, vacuum conditions, and dramatic temperature variations-to fabricate materials that cannot be created on Earth.

The mission's success could have transformative implications for sectors including quantum computing, defence, clean energy, and semiconductor technology. Studies indicate that space-based production could slash CO2 emissions by up to 75 percent in high-value infrastructure, supporting innovations critical to security and climate resilience.

ForgeStar-1 will also trial Space Forge's proprietary Pridwen shield, a novel thermal protection system that enables the satellite's safe re-entry and reuse. This technology underpins the company's ambition to develop returnable space platforms, driving sustainable practices in orbital manufacturing.

The UK government's approval of ForgeStar-1 aligns with its broader investment in national space capabilities and commitment to fostering domestic innovation. By backing reusable and returnable satellite systems, the UK is solidifying its strategic autonomy in space and advancing its role in next-generation manufacturing technologies.

Colin Macleod, Head of the UK Space Regulator at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, stated: "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.

"Through our work with innovators in the space sector we are enabling exciting new space missions and supporting the industry to grow."

Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle added: "Space Forge's license is another resounding vote of confidence in the UK's space sector, which has secured record levels of investment through the European Space Agency in the last quarter of 2024.

"Developing technologies that would be otherwise impossible to manufacture on Earth, in orbit, demonstrates how space will play a vital role in boosting economic growth and propelling forward our Plan for Change."

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."

The ForgeStar-1 project will validate Space Forge's vision of delivering high-performance materials from space while proving critical technologies that support the evolution of orbital manufacturing.