Space Forge, pioneers in space-based advanced materials manufacturing and return technology, has announced the completion of its record-breaking £22.6m Series A funding round-the largest Series A in UK space tech history.
The round was led by the NATO Innovation Fund, with significant support from a strategic global consortium including World Fund, the National Security Strategic Investment Fund (NSSIF) and the British Business Bank through its Regional Angels Programme.
By harnessing the unique conditions of space-including microgravity, vacuum, and extreme temperature differentials-Space Forge is unlocking the ability to manufacture materials that are impossible to produce on Earth. These advancements have wide-reaching applications in semiconductors, quantum computing, clean energy, and defence technologies.
Research suggests space-made materials could cut CO₂ emissions by 75% and energy use by 60% in key infrastructure, offering a powerful tool for strengthening climate resilience
This investment will accelerate the development of ForgeStar®-2- Space Forge’s next-generation returnable manufacturing satellite while supporting the company’s first in-orbit demonstration mission, ForgeStar-1, set to launch in 2025.
Together, these missions will demonstrate a scalable, reusable platform for manufacturing high-performance materials in space-delivering breakthroughs for security, clean energy and infrastructure. The technology offers a promising pathway to strengthen supply chains for semiconductor production, reducing dependence on vulnerable Earth-based manufacturing systems.
Joshua Western, CEO & Co-Founder, Space Forge, said: “This funding marks a significant milestone-not just for Space Forge, but for the entire space economy. With the backing of our investors, we’re accelerating our mission to make space a practical and accessible platform for industrial-scale manufacturing. Our upcoming launches will prove that the future of materials innovation lies beyond Earth, helping us build a more secure, sustainable, and technologically advanced world.”
The calibre of investors backing this round reflects Space Forge’s growing importance in advancing secure, sustainable technologies – across defence, aerospace, and clean tech sectors globally.
Industry Minister Sarah Jones said: “This is great news for the UK’s space industry, and a vote of confidence in the cutting-edge advanced manufacturing technology Space Forge is pioneering in Wales.
“Our modern Industrial Strategy will drive growth in these sectors even further, giving businesses the confidence they need to commit to investing in the UK and ensuring we remain a partner of choice for space agencies around the world.”
Space Forge’s in-space manufactured semiconductors can reduce energy usage by 75% – by harnessing unique space conditions of microgravity, vacuum and low temperatures. We first backed Space Forge in 2021, long before the link between climate and computing was obvious. This link is clear as day now. We’re thrilled to continue supporting them as they scale, and we’re excited to welcome the NATO Innovation Fund on this journey.”
This round also includes investment from Innovation Investment Capital Limited Partnership, backed by Cardiff Capital Region, Gaingels, SpaceVC, Unruly, with additional contributions from Helium Three, Stellar and TypeOne, and London Technology Club.
With key industry collaborations underway – including partnerships with Sierra Space and Northrop Grumman – Space Forge is poised to lead the commercialisation of in-space manufacturing from Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
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