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UK Space Agency Invests $1.1M in In-Orbit Manufacturing

2/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

The UK Space Agency awarded over $1.1 million in in-orbit manufacturing contracts to three firms.
Space Forge received $410,000 to produce semiconductors in space, while OrbiSky and BioOrbit received $404,000 and $342,000 for optical fiber and pharmaceutical research.
Space Forge's orbital furnace has produced super-hot plasma, advancing semiconductor crystal production.
Experts say space-grown materials could boost electronic performance and cut energy use, but costs may limit applications to niche markets.

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Story summary

The UK Space Agency awarded over $1.1 million in in-orbit manufacturing contracts to three firms.
Space Forge received $410,000 to produce semiconductors in space, while OrbiSky and BioOrbit received $404,000 and $342,000 for optical fiber and pharmaceutical research.
Space Forge's orbital furnace has produced super-hot plasma, advancing semiconductor crystal production.
Experts say space-grown materials could boost electronic performance and cut energy use, but costs may limit applications to niche markets.