NASA TechLeap Prize Awarded to SpaceWorks Enterprises
Will Advance High-Cadence Microgravity Silicon Semiconductor Crystal Manufacturing Program
A recent award under NASA’s TechLeap Prize: Space Technology Payload Challenge has gone to SpaceWorks Enterprises. The groundbreaking project, entitled High-Cadence Microgravity Silicon Semiconductor Crystal Manufacturing, will combine SpaceWorks’ expertise in reentry system design and integration with novel in-space manufacturing technologies developed by partner Astral Materials, Inc. SpaceWorks and Astral Materials will demonstrate the in-space manufacturing technology and an orbital reentry of the finished product from a NASA-assigned orbital platform targeted for the second quarter of 2026.
“This NASA TechLeap Prize presents a historic opportunity for SpaceWorks to showcase how our advanced ReEntry Device (RED) products can support the growing space economy.”
Tyler Kunsa, SpaceWorks Enterprises
SpaceWorks has been a leader in reentry and precision payload return technologies for nearly a decade. The company’s RED capsule systems have undergone extensive ground testing, multiple high-altitude drop test campaigns, and a 2017 flight to the International Space Station. RED systems are designed for flexible hosted payload support and recovery options.
“This NASA TechLeap Prize presents a historic opportunity for SpaceWorks to showcase how our advanced ReEntry Device (RED) products can support the growing space economy,” said Tyler Kunsa, Vice President of Defense & Space at SpaceWorks. “Our ability to combine core features of our existing RED products with custom adaptations for platforms like Astral’s allows us to serve a broad array of customers. We’re thrilled to partner with Astral Materials in pursuit of what would be an in-space manufacturing breakthrough.”
Silicon Valley-based Astral Materials aims to advance semiconductor crystal growth by harnessing the unique benefits of the microgravity environment of space. With this award, the company is progressing its on-orbit ultra high-quality silicon crystal growth process for in-space semiconductor manufacturing. “To close the business-case of in-space manufacturing,” commented Dr. Jessica Frick, CEO & Co-founder of Astral Materials, “it is critical not only to accomplish on-orbit processing, but to demonstrate high-cadence, on-demand product return capabilities. This mission with SpaceWorks is the first step toward that goal”. Through successful development, integration, and flight test of their payload onboard the RED system, Astral Materials will achieve their first in-space manufacturing and product return demonstration.