First In-Space Advanced Materials Manufacturing Facility Planned
A partnership that could result in the first in-space advanced materials manufacturing facility for the manufacture of semiconductors has been announced by United Semiconductors LLC and Aegis Aerospace.
“Together, we will accelerate the in-space manufacturing of essential semiconductor materials.”
Stephanie Murphy, Aegis Aerospace
The collaboration follows Aegis Aerospace’s recent grant agreement with the Texas Space Commission to develop an in-space manufacturing platform for advanced materials in low Earth orbit (LEO).
“We are thrilled to join forces with United Semiconductors,” said Stephanie Murphy, CEO of Aegis Aerospace. “Together, we will accelerate the in-space manufacturing of essential semiconductor materials, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in space technology.”
The Aegis Advanced Materials Manufacturing Platform (AMMP) aims to showcase the unique properties and manufacturing capabilities afforded by the microgravity environment of LEO. By leveraging United Semiconductors’ established expertise as a provider to the U.S. Department of Defense, this partnership will expedite the commercialization of semiconductor manufacturing in space. As a result, Aegis Aerospace anticipates creating new job opportunities in Texas and offering this innovative service globally.
“United Semiconductors is honored to collaborate with Aegis Aerospace,” stated Dr. Partha Dutta, Chief Technologist of United Semiconductors. “Our decades of experience in semiconductor manufacturing, including successful experiments aboard the International Space Station, combined with Aegis Aerospace’s expertise in building and operating space infrastructure, will create a powerful partnership.”
Together, Aegis Aerospace’s AMMP and United Semiconductors products are believed to be the first dedicated commercial facility for in-space materials production.