Space Forge, a Cardiff-based startup, has secured £22.6 million in Series A funding — the largest ever raised by a UK spacetech company at this stage. This fresh capital backs the bold vision of using space to create materials impossible to manufacture on Earth.
The round was led by the NATO Innovation Fund, marking a major step into dual-use technology. Other key investors include World Fund, the National Security Strategic Investment Fund (NSSIF), British Business Bank’s Regional Angels Programme, Cardiff Capital Region, SpaceVC, Gaingels, and London Technology Club.
Forging New Materials in Orbit
Founded in 2018 by Joshua Western and Andrew Bacon, Space Forge is building satellites that use microgravity and the vacuum of space to create high-performance materials. These materials could transform sectors like semiconductors, clean energy, and defense.
The new funding will accelerate the development of ForgeStar®-2 — a reusable, returnable satellite built for industrial-scale manufacturing in space. It will also support ForgeStar®-1, the company’s in-orbit demonstration mission, which is scheduled for launch in 2025.
Space Forge is building its platform to be fully reusable. That means fewer launches, less waste, and lower costs. This approach also opens the door to a scalable economy in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), where materials can be made in space and safely brought back to Earth.
Big Climate and Tech Impacts
Materials made in space can be cleaner than anything produced on Earth. According to the company, some applications could cut CO₂ emissions by 75% and reduce energy use by 60%. That makes Space Forge a rare startup: one that combines climate innovation with next-gen hardware production.
Semiconductors are a key focus. Chips made in space could use far less energy while reducing dependence on fragile international supply chains. That’s why both national security funds and climate-focused investors are paying attention.
Backers like NATO see this as a critical technology. It helps Europe reduce its reliance on foreign chipmakers and supports strategic independence. For others, the climate benefits are just as compelling.
Global Reach and National Growth
Space Forge already has partnerships with major aerospace players, including Sierra Space and Northrop Grumman. With offices in Cardiff and Florida, the company bridges UK and US ambitions in space.
The funding also boosts the UK’s position as a leader in commercial space. It shows growing alignment between regional, national, and international backers to support innovation that is both strategic and sustainable.
This isn’t just a win for Space Forge — it’s a turning point for the entire UK space economy. With ForgeStar® missions preparing for liftoff, the vision of off-Earth manufacturing is no longer science fiction. It’s being built in Wales.
