Sierra Space announced on December 4th that it has signed agreements with two companies—Astral Materials and Space Forge Inc.—to explore the use of its Dream Chaser vehicle and space station technology for microgravity semiconductor manufacturing.

The agreements, formalized through memoranda of understanding (MOUs), aim to study the potential of Sierra Space's technology in advancing semiconductor development in space. Astral Materials and Space Forge, both early-stage companies, are working on technologies to manufacture semiconductors in microgravity, which is believed to offer enhanced crystal growth and production processes.

Sierra Space CEO Tom Vice highlighted the significance of these collaborations, stating, "At Sierra Space, our mission is to create a LEO economy that benefits life on Earth. These new agreements bring us closer to that goal. To build a robust space economy, we need to harness microgravity, which requires partnerships with top commercial companies in specialized fields."

Astral Materials and Space Forge are particularly focused on leveraging microgravity to overcome challenges in semiconductor production. A 2023 workshop on semiconductor manufacturing in orbit noted that Earth's gravitational forces impede efficient and high-yield semiconductor production. Microgravity, however, offers the possibility of improved semiconductor crystal growth, which could revolutionize manufacturing processes.

Jessica Frick, CEO of Astral Materials, explained the benefits of microgravity, saying, “Our technology uses microgravity as a manufacturing tool that can only be accessed in space. This partnership with Sierra Space is a fantastic opportunity to advance our microgravity crystal growth expertise.”

Under the partnership, Astral Materials will collaborate with Sierra Space to design projects that can be flown aboard the Dream Chaser vehicle. The agreement also includes potential cooperation on incorporating semiconductor manufacturing technologies into Sierra Space's commercial space station systems.

Similarly, Space Forge will work on proof-of-concept missions and technologies for semiconductor production in space, exploring how such manufacturing could integrate with Sierra Space's space station initiatives.

Space Forge recently established an office in Florida, focusing on semiconductor manufacturing in space, with the goal of tapping into new federal investment in domestic semiconductor production. Michelle Flemming, President of Space Forge Inc., expressed excitement about the potential of this initiative: “We aim to produce top-quality semiconductor materials in space that will significantly benefit U.S. defense, telecommunications, automotive, and other critical industries.”

In addition to its partnership with Sierra Space, Space Forge also signed an MOU with Voyager Space in October to explore space-based manufacturing, with Voyager leading the Starlab commercial space station project.

Sierra Space's collaborations signal an exciting step forward in the development of space-based semiconductor manufacturing, opening new possibilities for innovation and production in orbit.