News: Microelectronics
22 September 2025
Space Forge and United Semiconductors partner to develop supply chain for space-grown materials
Advanced materials company Space Forge Inc (which operates from Florida’s Space Coast) has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with United Semiconductors LLC (which specializes in bulk crystal growth and substrate production of III-V compound semiconductors from its facility in Los Alamitos, CA). The agreement formalizes the ongoing collaboration that started over a year ago.
The partnership establishes a collaborative foundation for developing commercially viable in-space semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, combining Space Forge Inc’s microgravity-enabled materials deposition processes with United Semiconductors’ expertise in ternary III-V semiconductor crystal growth and wafer processing.
Under the MoU framework, Space Forge Inc will design and develop advanced materials deposition processes and equipment, and integrate manufacturing systems compatible with its ForgeStar platform. United Semiconductors LLC will contribute its proven crystal growth processes, design specialized equipment and accessories for in-space manufacturing environments, identify potential materials suitable for space-based production and perform comprehensive wafer processing and testing. Leveraging their complementary capabilities, the partnership aims to bring joint projects to rapid fruition for end-customers’ needs.
“This partnership marks an exciting evolution in our mission to establish a robust US semiconductor manufacturing footprint that onshores reliable and resilient supply chains here at home,” says Space Forge Inc’s president Michelle Flemming. “By combining our terrestrial and microgravity manufacturing capabilities with United Semiconductors’ deep expertise in crystal growth and wafer processing, we’re creating a powerful collaboration that can demonstrate the commercial viability of space-based semiconductor production. This partnership strengthens our commitment to advancing US leadership in advanced materials and in-space manufacturing,” she adds.
“This partnership brings together key technical expertise that is essential for the rapid development of semiconductor materials manufacturing in space and its potential for commercialization for next-generation terrestrial and space microelectronics,” says United Semiconductors’ CEO president & CEO Dr Geeta Rajagopalan. “A robust commercial space economy in low-Earth orbit (LEO) will stimulate sustainable non-NASA utilization of future commercial LEO destinations (CLDs) and orbital platforms, assisting the US domestic industry to gain and/or maintain leadership in many critical technology sectors.”
The collaboration reflects the growing momentum in commercial space manufacturing and addresses the increasing demand for ultra-high-quality semiconductor substrates for next-generation applications in quantum computing, telecommunications and advanced electronics.
By establishing clear development pathways and market applications, the Space Forge–United Semiconductors partnership aims to demonstrate the economic viability of space-based semiconductor production at commercial scale.
The companies plan to work together over the coming months to develop specific project frameworks with strategic long-term customers.
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