Space Forge, the Wales-based NewSpace company, has reached a significant milestone in space-based manufacturing with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) granting the first launch license for its In-Space Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM) satellite named ForgeStar-1.
The ForgeStar-1 mission represents Space Forge’s inaugural demonstration of in-orbit manufacturing capabilities. The satellite will utilize the distinctive conditions of space—microgravity, vacuum, and extreme temperature differentials—to produce materials with properties unattainable on Earth.
Research suggests these space-manufactured materials could contribute to a reduction in CO2 emissions for high-value infrastructure, while enabling advancements across multiple sectors:
• Semiconductor development with enhanced performance characteristics
• Quantum computing components with improved coherence times
• Clean energy materials with higher efficiency ratings
• Applications requiring specialized material properties
Beyond manufacturing capabilities, ForgeStar-1 will evaluate the Pridwen heat shield—Space Forge’s proprietary technology designed to enable safe satellite return and reuse. This technology addresses a critical component of sustainable space manufacturing: the ability to bring finished products back to Earth.
Colin Macleod, Head of the UK Space Regulator at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “This is a ground breaking licence for the UK space sector that paves the way for in orbit manufacturing and the amazing potential of this new industry.”
For Space Forge CEO Joshua Western, the license represents more than regulatory compliance: “This licence award is a key mission milestone and we’re looking forward to demonstrating how our scalable, reusable manufacturing platform can drive progress and benefits for us on Earth.”
The Cardiff-based company, which previously secured £7.6 million in one of Europe’s largest seed funding rounds for a New Space venture, is now extending its vision beyond orbital manufacturing. Space Forge is currently developing a first-of-its-kind UK Space Agency co-funded National Microgravity Research Centre in South Wales, designed to combine space expertise and advanced materials development.
This research center will further strengthen the company’s position in the space manufacturing ecosystem. Like many NewSpace startups, Space Forge balances ambitious technological goals with pragmatic development steps, working to create sustainable, commercially viable pathways for space-based manufacturing to benefit life on Earth.
First UK Launch License for Sustainable In-Space Manufacturing Satellite ForgeStar-1
