Latest news with #SpaceForge
Daily Maverick
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
New documentary shines a light on the environmental damage caused by Elon Musk's tech ambitions
In the broiling shadow of rocket flames and broadband dreams, the inconvenient truths of Elon Musk's techno-utopia are being tidily shuffled out of frame. Canadian director Julien Elie's haunting new black-and-white documentary film, Shifting Baselines, does not shout its message. It doesn't need to. The scorched landscapes of Boca Chica, Texas, where Elon Musk's SpaceX has set up shop, speak for themselves. They whisper of seabirds gone silent, of beaches turned to junkyards, and of a natural world redrawn by a billionaire's imagination. Back in South Africa, the airwaves have been thick with chatter about Musk's Starlink satellite network finally getting a potential regulatory green light to operate here after sustained pressure from Musk himself and the Trump administration. Some have hailed the prospect of Musk's high-speed internet in rural areas as a form of digital salvation for South Africans marooned, in a communications sense, in the hinterland. That there could be benefits, in particular, for rural schools and rural police stations seems clear. It has also been notable how many voices have been happy to overlook the reality that there already exist alternatives, some of which have been pioneered by local businesses at considerable expense; and that the projected costs of a Starlink terminal (around R6,000) and the monthly fee (at least two or three times the average internet contract) will put it far beyond fantasy for the vast majority of South Africa's rural citizens. But amid the enthusiastic flag-waving for this latest piece of technological deliverance, there has been an even more deafening silence about its environmental cost. Starlink junk burning up ozone layer Shifting Baselines' title refers to a concept coined by the marine biologist Daniel Pauly, who explains how each generation accepts the ecological degradation of its lifetime as its new normal. Over time, we forget what the planet of our ancestors once looked like, smelled like, sounded like. It is a quiet kind of erasure. The documentary shows us the once-thriving ecosystems around Musk's rocket launch sites reduced to industrial debris, and the community of Boca Chica transformed into a workers' colony for Musk's Starbase operation. The birds are dwindling in numbers. The fish are tiny. And the sky, once a canvas for stars, is now obscured by satellites and space junk. SpaceX's satellite constellation, Starlink, makes up more than 60% of all satellites orbiting Earth. According to the UK-based space firm Space Forge, about 40% of the material now burning up in Earth's atmosphere comes from Starlink satellites, which are designed to last only five years and disintegrate on entry. That translates to at least 500kg of incinerated hardware every day. Harvard astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell told in October 2024 that there is now a Starlink satellite re-entry almost every day. Some days see multiple burn-ups. These are not elegant, imperceptible disappearances. They contribute to atmospheric pollution in ways that are only just beginning to be studied. An October 2024 letter to the US Federal Communications Commission, signed by more than 100 top space scientists, warned urgently that the effects of these satellites have yet to be adequately researched. Their concerns were unequivocal: the pace of satellite deployment has vastly outstripped the regulatory frameworks meant to assess their environmental impact. 'Over just five years, Starlink has launched more than 6,000 units and now make up more than 60% of all satellites. The new space race took off faster than governments were able to act. Regulatory agencies review individual licences and lack the policies in place to assess the total effects of all proposed mega-constellations,' they wrote. 'Until national and international environmental reviews can be completed, we should stop launching further low Earth orbit satellites as part of constellations that provide consumer internet connectivity.' Meanwhile, light pollution from the Starlink array is already interfering with astronomers' work. It affects projects like South Africa's own Salt telescope, a major scientific facility — and genuine national treasure — whose vision of the stars is now often smeared by the unintended signatures of broadband ambition. If Starlink comes to South Africa, the astronomer Federico di Vruno told Reuters this week, 'it will be like shining a spotlight into someone's eyes, blinding us to the faint radio signals from celestial bodies'. Tech-optimism is eclipsing climate change realities Elie's film returns often to scenes of spectators in lawn chairs, watching Musk's rocket launches with misty eyes. Most are Boomers clearly nostalgic about the Space Race of their youth. Some describe the spectacle of a SpaceX launch as their 'Apollo moment'. SpaceX employees scrawl 'We are explorers' on bollards. But the documentary carefully strips away the romance to reveal a more uncomfortable truth. The rockets and satellites rise and return from land and skies now scarred by the vehicles of Musk's monomaniacal, megalomaniacal ambition. This is the paradox at the heart of the Musk myth. His obsession with space colonisation is sold as a response to climate collapse on Earth. Yet in pursuing that dream, he accelerates the very forces he claims to resist. The rockets that might someday touch down on Mars are poisoning the skies of Earth today. Each new satellite that promises to bridge digital divides also quietly widens the environmental ones. All the while, climate change — once seemingly the moral rallying cry of a generation — appears to be quietly slipping off the agenda. The inevitable reports are now emerging, a veritable flurry this past weekend alone, about the jobs that are already being lost to AI. What is virtually absent from the discourse is the ruinous environmental impact of the Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT: a November 2024 study found that just 16% of respondents were aware of the huge amount of water required to cool AI servers. Shifting Baselines invites us to look beyond the dazzle of innovation from the tech industry with which we are all bombarded daily to the dull, persistent erosion of the real world. It asks us to consider what we are losing in our quest to win the future — as the sky fills up with ghosts. DM here.
TechCrunch
3 days ago
- Business
- TechCrunch
Space Forge raises $30M Series A to make chip materials in space
From AI to EVs, demand for semiconductors is exploding, but silicon is hitting its limits. Making more efficient chips requires new materials, ones far less ubiquitous than sand, but the solution might be out there — literally. Space Forge, a U.K. startup headquartered in Cardiff, Wales, recently raised a £22.6 million (approximately $30 million) Series A to make wafer materials in space, where unique conditions unlock new possibilities. For instance, the Welsh startup earlier won funding for a project through which BT (formerly British Telecom) is hoping to test how integrating crystal materials grown in space could reduce the power consumption of its 5G towers. Because of weightlessness and other properties, crystals made in space have fewer defects, which can help devices use less energy. Real-world use cases like this help Space Forge convey the message that critical systems could use its technology as an invisible backbone. The whole idea of making chips in orbit may sound like science fiction, but its feasibility has been known since the 1970s, CEO Joshua Western told TechCrunch. 'We're stood on the shoulders of about 50 years of research when it comes to not only knowing that this is possible, but also knowing that there is a profound improvement in doing so,' Western said. The improvement in question is obtaining crystals and advanced semiconductor materials with fewer defects and enhanced performance, making them appealing for use in applications such as quantum computing and defense systems. This dual-use potential explains why NATO Innovation Fund led Space Forge's Series A, and why major U.S. defense contractor Northrop Grumman is one of its partners. Techcrunch event Save now through June 4 for TechCrunch Sessions: AI Save $300 on your ticket to TC Sessions: AI—and get 50% off a second. Hear from leaders at OpenAI, Anthropic, Khosla Ventures, and more during a full day of expert insights, hands-on workshops, and high-impact networking. These low-rate deals disappear when the doors open on June 5. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you've built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | REGISTER NOW Partners will be key to Space Forge's trajectory: The company won't build rockets and is instead relying on existing space providers for the launch part — a 'solved problem,' in Western's words. It's not just the rockets; from chip manufacturing to space return, Space Forge is tying together technologies that may be described as solved problems, at least on paper. But if you ask Western about its moat, he has a quick retort: 'How bloody hard is it to do?!' That's the price to pay to take advantage of space's unique environment: It requires adapting to harsh conditions such as extreme temperatures and microgravity, Western said. 'Physics has the answers, and engineering is how you actually get there.' 'Mary Poppins from space' Engineering is also needed to bridge the gap between innovation and commercially viable technology. Rather than capsules like Apollo's, Space Forge returns its materials to Earth as 'Mary Poppins from space.' Western explained the nickname: 'We deploy something that looks very much like an umbrella, [but] that's space grade, and that allows us to float back from space down to the ground.' Image Credits:Space Forge Developing new return technology is a key focus of Space Forge. Besides its heat shield, Pridwen, a nod to the legend of King Arthur, the startup also developed Fielder, a floating net to catch returning satellites and ensure a soft landing on water. These efforts were supported by the U.K. Space Agency and European Space Agency, of which the U.K. is still a member despite Brexit. Establishing a return infrastructure across Europe is one of Space Forge's ambitions — and it is underway. This week, the company opened an office in Portugal on the island of Santa Maria in the Azores, a well-suited location for satellite return in mainland Europe and an important step to convince European partners that this approach can reach industrial scale. The increasing commoditization of both return and launch technologies is what made the rise of in-space manufacturing startups possible in the first place, with applications also including drug discovery and telecom hardware. But their viability is still very dependent on costs coming down, or in finding clients willing to pay that premium. Shifting geopolitics could help Space Forge secure more of these clients. Western and his co-founder and CTO Andrew Bacon previously worked at Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales and its Italian peer Leonardo. But the trend is broader than just defense, as concerns mount across Europe over reliance on semiconductors from Taiwan. 'We urgently need a resilient, homegrown supply of the next-gen supermaterials required for the future of compute. We also need this homegrown chip supply to be produced sustainably,' World Fund general partner Daria Saharova wrote in a statement. The climate tech VC firm, which co-led Space Forge's seed round and participated in its Series A, is buying into Space Forge's positioning as a 'carbon negative technology' that could fight climate change. However, the emissions savings have yet to be proven at scale and rely on commercial adoption to truly offset each mission. Space Forge, though, still has to complete its first mission. Its first attempt ended after a grand total of six and a half minutes when Virgin Orbit's rocket suffered an anomaly in its launch of Cornwall in 2023, losing its entire payload, including Space Forge's ForgeStar-0 satellite. With its new funding, the company is now accelerating the development of its latest spacecraft and readying for the launch of its ForgeStar-1 demonstrator later this year, together with Pridwen. And in a nod to the galaxy far, far away, Space Forge announced the mission's official name — 'The Forge Awakens' — on May 4. Anna Heim met and interviewed Joshua Western and Daria Saharova at a World Fund event that the VC firm covered her travel costs to attend; this article was written independently.
Business News Wales
14-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Innovation Investment Capital Backs Space Forge to Revolutionise Space Manufacturing
Innovation Investment Capital Limited Partnership (IIC), the Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) backed fund, has announced a Series A equity investment, alongside other international investors, in a pioneering in-space semiconductor manufacturing business. Based in the Eastgate Business Park, Cardiff, Space Forge is pioneering a 'clean industrial revolution' by leveraging space as a manufacturing platform for next-generation super materials and advanced semiconductors. With fully returnable satellites, Space Forge offers a scalable solution to manufacture and return materials that are difficult or impossible to produce on Earth. Space Forge, which also has operations in Florida, is leading the charge in advancing semiconductor markets and supporting sovereign technological and economic objectives. With semiconductors a key growth sector in the CCR, Space Forge is considered a leader in the industry, transforming the production of advanced material for commercial use with higher efficiencies and power consumption key product USPs, both of which support the move toward customer and consumer net zero targets. This investment provides additional support for the development of these products along with improving on-earth and in-orbit manufacturing. Josh Western, Space Forge CEO and Co-Founder, said: 'Innovation Investment Capital's support is a testament to the exciting possibilities our work holds. This investment will accelerate our product development and keep us at the forefront of the sector's developments. Together, we are pushing the boundaries of what's possible and paving the way for a new industrial revolution in space.' IIC was launched in November 2022 with an initial £50 million from UK Government funds and Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) to provide long-term capital for innovative and sustainable growth opportunities across CCR's ten unitary authorities. Capricorn Fund Managers (CFM) serves as the Alternative Investment Fund Manager (AIFM), overseeing portfolio and risk management, with PwC advising on investment research and sourcing. The Space Forge investment marks IIC's fourth deal and follows investments in Transcend (Ystrad Mynach-based sustainable packaging company), AMPLYFI (Cardiff-based generative AI business) and Mazuma (tech-enabled accountancy platform in Bridgend). Cllr Huw Thomas, Leader of Cardiff Council and Deputy Chair of Cardiff Capital Region, said: 'CCR is proud to help fund Space Forge's next steps in on-earth and in-orbit advanced manufacturing. Their trailblazing approach in the space industry is gaining interest and investment in a highly competitive tech sector and it's very encouraging to see a local pioneering company on a global stage.' 'We are thrilled to be supporting the fund as it works with Space Forge at this pivotal stage in their journey,' said Rob Asplin, PwC Partner. 'Their approach to leveraging the unique properties of space holds potential for advancements across industries such as telecommunications, pharmaceuticals and advanced materials. This aligns with the fund's vision of driving innovation within the CCR region.' Lynda Stoelker, Capricorn Fund Managers' COO and Chair of the IIC Investment Committee, said: 'Space Forge is a pivotal player in the space industry and we're proud to be part of their Cardiff growth story. The team's vision and technology align with Innovation Investment Capital's mission to back transformative solutions that open new markets and drive sustainability.' For Innovation Investment Capital's investment, legal advice was provided by Hugh James.
Wales Online
14-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Welsh in-space advanced manufacturing start-up Space Forge in huge funding boost
Welsh in-space advanced manufacturing start-up Space Forge in huge funding boost In one of the biggest funding rounds for a Welsh start-up firm Space Forge has secured £22.6m from a global consortium of investors. Space Forge. Cardiff-based Space Forge, which is pioneering advanced material in space manufacturing such as compound semiconductors via its returnable satellite technology, has a secured £22.6m investment to support its commercialisation plans. In the biggest ever Series A fundraising round in the UK space tech sector, and one of the biggest for a Welsh start-up, Space Forge has been backed by a strategic global consortium led by the NATO Innovation Fund, with significant support from the World Fund, the National Security Strategic Investment Fund (NSSIF) and £2m from British Business Bank through its regional angels programme. The round has also been supported by the Cardiff Capital Region's £50m Innovation Investment Capital fund. The latest equity investment deals in Welsh business READ MORE: Cardiff to benefit from thousands of civil service jobs relocating from London READ MORE: By harnessing the unique conditions of space-including microgravity, vacuum, and extreme temperature differentials-Space Forge, which employs 70 in Cardiff at Eastgate Business Park and also has a presence in Florida, is unlocking the ability to manufacture materials that are impossible to produce on earth. These advancements have wide-reaching applications in compound semiconductors, quantum computing, clean energy, and defence technologies. Research suggests space-made materials could cut CO₂ emissions by 75% and energy use by 60% in key infrastructure, offering a powerful tool for strengthening climate resilience. Article continues below The latest investment will accelerate the development of the firm's ForgeStar-2 next-generation returnable manufacturing satellite while also supporting its first in-orbit demonstration mission, ForgeStar-1, set to launch later this year in Florida. Together, these missions will demonstrate a scalable, reusable platform for manufacturing high-performance materials in space-delivering breakthroughs for security, clean energy and infrastructure. The technology offers a promising pathway to strengthen supply chains for semiconductor production, reducing dependence on vulnerable earth-based manufacturing systems. Joshua Western, chief executive and co-founder, Space Forge, said: 'This funding marks a significant milestone-not just for Space Forge, but for the entire space economy. With the backing of our investors, we're accelerating our mission to make space a practical and accessible platform for industrial-scale manufacturing. "Our upcoming launches will prove that the future of materials innovation lies beyond earth, helping us build a more secure, sustainable, and technologically advanced world.' The value of the equity investment by the Cardiff Capital Region in supporting the round has not been disclosed. Its investment is the fourth from the fund which is managed by Capricorn Fund Managers with PwC providing on investment research and sourcing. Leader of Cardiff Council and vice chair of the Cardiff Capital Region - a statutory body covering the 10 local authorities of south-east Wales - Huw Thomas, said: 'CCR is proud to help fund Space Forge's next steps in on-earth and in-orbit advanced manufacturing. "Their trailblazing approach in the space industry is gaining interest and investment in a highly competitive tech sector and it's very encouraging to see a local pioneering company on a global stage.' Dr Paul Bate, chief executive of the UK Space Agency, said: 'This landmark investment in Space Forge is a powerful vote of confidence in the UK's growing space economy and its global leadership in space-enabled innovation. Based in Cardiff Space Forge exemplifies how cutting-edge space technology is thriving across all corners of the UK. "By transforming the way we manufacture high-performance materials, Space Forge is not only pushing the boundaries of what's possible in orbit, but will also deliver real-world benefits on earth — from cleaner energy to more secure supply chains. We're proud to support pioneering companies like Space Forge as they grow and help secure the UK's position at the forefront of the space and semiconductor sectors.' The calibre of investors backing this round reflects Space Forge's growing importance in advancing secure, sustainable technologies - across defence, aerospace, and clean tech sectors globally. Chris O'Connor, partner, NATO Innovation Fund, said: 'We are excited to be supporting Space Forge – a company that is innovating material manufacturing, while also advancing Europe's access to space, supply chain independence and long-term resiliency. We look forward to working with the Space Forge team to leverage their technological breakthroughs in order to secure the future of NATO nations.' Daria Saharova, general partner at World Fund, said 'Demand for computing power is doubling every two months. Europe imports 80% of its chip supply, with 90% of the world's most-advanced semiconductors coming from Taiwan. A geopolitical escalation there could have catastrophic consequences for Europe. We urgently need a resilient, homegrown supply of the next-generation supermaterials required for the future of compute. We also need this homegrown chip supply to be produced sustainably. Industry Minister Sarah Jones said: 'This is great news for the UK's space industry, and a vote of confidence in the cutting-edge advanced manufacturing technology Space Forge is pioneering in Wales. "Our modern industrial strategy will drive growth in these sectors even further, giving businesses the confidence they need to commit to investing in the UK and ensuring we remain a partner of choice for space agencies around the world.' Mark Barry, senior investment director at British Business Bank, said: 'We are delighted to make this first investment under the new co-investment strategy as part of the regional angels programme. The investment into Space Forge aligns with our overall programme goal to strengthen the UK's regional economy by supporting high-growth businesses, and to leverage the commercial potential from our existing portfolio. We first backed Space Forge through a partner back in 2021 and under Josh's leadership, the company is delivering on its mission to be the in-space manufacturer of choice.' Article continues below The round has also been supported by Gaingels, SpaceVC, Unruly, with additional contributions from Helium Three, Stellar and TypeOne, and London Technology Club.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Britain's Space Forge raises $30 million with backing from NATO Innovation Fund
By Sudip Kar-Gupta BRUSSELS: British space technology company Space Forge announced on Wednesday a 22.6 million pound ($29.8 million) fundraising led by the NATO Innovation Fund , highlighting the appeal of the fast-growing space technology sector for investors. Space Forge, which was founded in 2018 and aims to make materials in space that could then be used in fields such as semiconductors, said the funds would help the development of its satellites. Competition among the United States, China, Russia and others in Europe to stay ahead in space exploration and technology is fuelling the sector's growth. A report this year by consultancy firm McKinsey estimated the value of the global space economy would rise to $1.8 trillion by 2035, from $630 billion in 2023. "We are excited to be supporting Space Forge - a company that is innovating material manufacturing, while also advancing Europe's access to space, supply chain independence and long-term resiliency," said NATO Innovation Fund partner Chris O'Connor. The NATO Innovation Fund is a standalone venture capital fund backed by 24 North Atlantic Treaty Organization member nations, though NATO is not involved in decision-making or investing financially. Space Forge is headquartered in Cardiff and it also has operations in Florida.
