UK spacetech startup Space Forge has closed a £22.6 million Series A funding round—the largest ever for a British company at this stage in the sector. The Cardiff-based firm, known for its reusable ForgeStar® satellites, is pushing the boundaries of space-based manufacturing to unlock materials and processes impossible to replicate on Earth. With this bold investment, the company is turning science fiction into a scalable industrial reality.
The round was led by the NATO Innovation Fund, marking one of its most strategic plays in dual-use emerging tech. The deal attracted a high-profile lineup of investors, including World Fund, the National Security Strategic Investment Fund (NSSIF), and the British Business Bank’s Regional Angels Programme. Other backers include Cardiff Capital Region, SpaceVC, Gaingels, and the London Technology Club—demonstrating confidence in both Space Forge’s vision and the broader promise of orbital manufacturing.
Building a Sustainable Space Economy from Low Earth Orbit
Founded in 2018 by Joshua Western and Andrew Bacon, Space Forge aims to manufacture next-generation materials using the unique conditions found in space—microgravity, vacuum, and extreme temperatures. The result? A new class of super materials with game-changing potential for climate tech, computing, energy storage, and defence.
With the new funding, the company will accelerate development of its next-gen reusable ForgeStar®-2 satellite and support the upcoming launch of its first in-orbit mission, ForgeStar®-1, set for 2025. These platforms are designed for industrial-scale manufacturing in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), with return capabilities that allow the products to be recovered and reused on Earth. This reusability is critical to cutting costs, reducing waste, and building a scalable model for space-based production.
Space Forge’s ambitions go far beyond satellite tech. Its impact on semiconductors alone could be transformational. Research suggests materials built in orbit could slash CO₂ emissions by up to 75% and reduce energy usage by 60% in key infrastructure systems. The company argues that high-performance chips made in space could enable faster, more energy-efficient computing—bridging climate goals and technological sovereignty.
That alignment is one reason why NATO and national security-focused funds have taken notice. As CEO Joshua Western put it, “We’re accelerating our mission to make space a practical and accessible platform for industrial-scale manufacturing.” The startup’s tech could help future-proof Europe’s semiconductor supply chain, which remains heavily dependent on imports and vulnerable to geopolitical risk.
Strategic Backing Positions UK at the Heart of the Orbital Future
Space Forge’s growing list of partners includes major aerospace players like Sierra Space and Northrop Grumman, reflecting strong demand from commercial, civil, and defence sectors. With operations in both Cardiff and Florida, the company is also poised to bridge transatlantic ambitions in space innovation—supporting NATO-aligned resilience and expanding access to dual-use technologies.
The Series A isn’t just a win for Space Forge—it’s a milestone for the UK’s space economy. The backing from institutions like the British Business Bank, Cardiff Capital Region, and NSSIF shows that public and private stakeholders are aligned in building out the UK’s role as a global leader in commercial space activity.
Leaders across the public sector welcomed the raise. Dr. Paul Bate of the UK Space Agency called it “a powerful vote of confidence” in the UK’s growing space innovation landscape. Industry Minister Sarah Jones highlighted Space Forge’s role in cutting energy usage and cementing the UK’s space leadership. Daria Saharova of World Fund underscored the urgency of Europe developing homegrown, sustainable chip supply chains. And Chris O’Connor of the NATO Innovation Fund pointed to Space Forge’s importance in securing the technological edge of allied nations.
With ForgeStar®-1 and -2 launches on the horizon, Space Forge is well on its way to turning the promise of off-Earth production into a tangible part of the global economy—advancing both sustainability and strategic resilience.
