- Innovative manufacturing of semiconductors used in frontline
communications
- Small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) funding provided to
drive innovation in space-age defence technology
- Defence Minister’s visit to Wales reaffirms government’s
commitment to SMEs
Technology used in radars and frontline battlefield
communications could be manufactured in space, after an injection
of funding to a British company.
Space Forge, based in South Wales, is building the world’s first
in-space manufacturing platform that can be returned back to
Earth and has been awarded £499,000 as part of a collaborative
project with Northrop Grumman under the MOD’s Defence Technology
Exploitation Programme (DTEP).
With multiple benefits, materials manufactured in space are
especially pure because of access to extreme temperatures and
lack of contamination.
This manufacturing includes semiconductors, which are crucial
components of radars and frontline battlefield communications
systems. Space Forge’s innovative work could see the revolution
of UK defence supply chains as they deliver for our Armed Forces.
Part of a wider scheme, DTEP funding is designed to support small
and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK to develop
innovative materials, technologies and processes to enhance
defence supply chains. DTEP aims to inspire companies to win
new business, develop industrial capabilities, and provide new
cutting-edge answers to defence problems at home and abroad.
Through DTEP funding, Space Forge will provide innovative
solutions to Defence problems using cutting-edge science, and
will also support highly-skilled jobs to the South Wales
community, levelling up and supporting the Prime Minister’s
priority to grow the economy.
Demonstrating the UK government’s commitment to working with
small businesses across Defence, the Minister for Defence
Procurement, , also hosted a range of
British small businesses in Cardiff today who are paving the way
in new age defence capabilities.
Minister for Defence Procurement, , said:
The work taking place at Space Forge, and other SMEs, is
paramount to the success of our future operations. We are
committed to supporting their endeavours to ensure our defence
capabilities remain at the forefront of technological innovation.
This visit reinforces our dedication to fostering partnerships
with leading institutions, who drive innovation in the defence
sector and keep our Armed Forces equipped with the most modern
capabilities.
SMEs hold a crucial place in the UK defence enterprise, play an
important role in sustaining industrial capability and are vital
to delivering our defence aspirations. They also provide hugely
important expertise and support a wide variety of high-quality
jobs across the UK.
Joshua Western, CEO and Co-founder of Space Forge,
said:
This is an incredibly exciting partnership for Space Forge, to be
working with Northrop Grumman to secure defence supply chains for
the Ministry of Defence is an important step in demonstrating the
utility of in-space manufacturing. National security is shared
security and this Atlantic partnership is a keystone in building
new capabilities and prosperity.
During his visit, Defence Minister Cartlidge engaged in
discussions with leading experts at Space Forge to gain insight
into the latest developments in space capabilities. The vital
funding provided by DTEP will ensure that the UK remains at the
forefront of space age technology for defence, reinforcing our
security capabilities for years to come.
