News: Suppliers
3 March 2026
United Semiconductors reserves payload space with Starlab to advance commercial-scale in-space semiconductor manufacturing
Starlab Space LLC of Webster, TX, USA (which is developing an AI-enabled commercial space station, expanding access to low Earth orbit research) has announced a payload reservation agreement with United Semiconductors LLC (USLLC) of Los Alamitos, CA, USA (which since 2005 has been supplying the US defense sector and national laboratories with critical substrates). This will support the transition of USLLC’s space-based micro-gravity semiconductor crystal growth technology from demonstration aboard the International Space Station (ISS, which is to be retired in 2030) to sustained commercial-scale production in low Earth orbit.
Starlab Space is a US-led global joint venture between Voyager Technologies, Airbus, Mitsubishi Corp, MDA Space, Palantir Technologies, and Space Applications Services, with strategic partners including Hilton, Journey, Northrop Grumman, and The Ohio State University.
USLLC claims to be the only domestic US company with the capability for 6-inch-diameter substrate production of III-V binary semiconductors and the only global company with the capability for large-area substrate production of III-V ternary semiconductors. In recent years, it has expanded its crystal growth capabilities to establish in-space manufacturing of bulk crystals, leveraging the benefits of micro-gravity and space environment.
Building on a successful crystal growth mission in micro-gravity, USLLC will leverage Starlab’s internal and external payload platforms to expand payload throughput, shorten logistics timelines, strengthen intellectual property protections and reduce production costs associated with space-manufactured semiconductor materials. The collaboration supports the USA’s long-term aims in advanced materials manufacturing and critical technology supply chains.
USLLC’s ISS mission demonstrated microgravity as a uniquely stable environment for bulk and thin-film crystal growth of complex semiconductor and semimetal alloys, enabling improved material uniformity, higher yields and enhanced device performance compared to terrestrial manufacturing. Orbital external platforms provide pure vacuum, which can be critical for limiting defects in specific stages of the semiconductor manufacturing process and reducing safety risks associated with manufacturing certain materials in a closed environment. USLLC’s proprietary crystal growth platform, designed to leverage reduced gravity conditions, is expected to support production of high-performance semiconductor materials for applications in aerospace systems, AI-enabled platforms, advanced sensing technologies, energy-efficient computing, and national security infrastructure.
“United Semiconductors has demonstrated space manufacturing of bulk crystals with strong support from NASA’s In-Space Production Applications program, delivering a compelling value proposition for in-space semiconductor products,” says United Semiconductors’ chief technologist Dr Partha Dutta. “As we establish long-term partnerships with leading aerospace companies and integrate commercial supply chains for terrestrial and space-based fabrication services, our partnership with Starlab provides a stable, reliable manufacturing platform to accelerate our rapidly expanding crystal production and service portfolio,” he adds.
“Advanced materials manufacturing is one of the most strategically important frontiers in low Earth orbit,” says Starlab Space’s CEO Marshall Smith. “United Semiconductors has already demonstrated the performance advantages of microgravity-grown crystals. Through Starlab’s commercial platform, we are enabling the infrastructure needed to move from successful missions to scalable, repeatable production that strengthens domestic supply chains and supports next-generation semiconductor technologies.”
The announcement highlights one piece of Starlab’s expansive network dedicated to advancing scientific research and technological development in orbit. Additionally, Starlab’s market-driven business model is designed to reduce cost, complexity and risk for researchers and commercial partners. Its single-launch, no-assembly-required architecture enables full certification and operational readiness within weeks from launch, minimizing delays and maximizing efficiency for payload customers. Through its joint venture partners, customers can conduct research and manufacturing activities aboard the International Space Station now, ensuring a seamless transition to Starlab as its next-generation capabilities come online.
Nitride Global, USLLC and Axiom Space awarded NASA SBIR grant
Aegis Aerospace partners with United Semiconductors
Space Forge and United Semiconductors partner to develop supply chain for space-grown materials
