Space Forge Inc. and Voyager Space unite to revolutionise commercial in-space manufacturing

Posted on 29 Oct 2024 by The Manufacturer

Space Forge and Voyager Space (Voyager) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore new possibilities in space-based research and manufacturing.

The collaboration between Voyager and Space Forge will enable a commercially driven platform (ForgeStar® series) focused on in-space research and manufacturing for advanced materials and biomedical applications, including manufacturing products for both terrestrial and in-space use.

“This collaboration is a game-changer for commercial space,” said Michelle Flemming, President, Space Forge Inc. “Combining Space Forge’s cutting-edge ForgeStar® technology with Voyager’s expertise in commercial space station infrastructure and services creates an unique opportunity to deliver impactful, sustainable solutions. We’re excited to pave the way for the next generation of space-made materials, with the potential to reshape industries from biomedical to energy on Earth.”

By harnessing the unique environment of space — where gravity, vacuum, and extreme temperatures create unparalleled conditions — Voyager and Space Forge will be focused on redefining material production standards, reducing carbon emissions and energy consumption, and delivering higher quality results than can currently be replicated on Earth.

“Voyager’s goal is to advance the capabilities of commercial space exploration, and these plans with Space Forge mark a significant step toward achieving this,” said Frank Morgan, Chief Operating Officer and interim President of Exploration at Voyager Space. “This work will allow us to explore new frontiers in biomedicine and material science, unlocking the potential of space to deliver groundbreaking solutions not possible on Earth.”

Voyager adds a wealth of experience through its decades of spaceflight heritage and over 2,000 successful customer missions, they are at the forefront of advancing humanity’s future in space. Their collaboration ensures that the collaboration between Voyager and Space Forge will push the boundaries of what is possible in manufacturing for commercial applications.

The benefits of in-space manufacturing are enormous: lower costs, faster production times, and reduced environmental impacts. In fact, in-space manufacturing is expected to be key to unlocking a market projected to reach $21.8bn by 2032, growing at an annual rate of 20%.

The collaboration will explore integrating ForgeStar’s flexible returnable spacecraft with Voyager’s orbital capabilities to create next-level solutions for industries that rely on high-performance materials, from biomedical sectors to cloud computing.

The MoU sets the stage for future projects, including developing next-gen return capability interfaces and collaborating on funding applications for commercial customers. As these two companies unite, their combined expertise will revolutionize access to space-made products, impacting markets across the globe.

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