In-space manufacturing is not just a figment of science fiction; it is a burgeoning market that is set to take off in the near future. Analysts and startups predict that by 2030, the market could surpass $10 billion, depending on how quickly it matures. Ilan Rozenkopf, a partner at McKinsey, highlights the potential in industries such as pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, beauty and health products, and even food, including new crop development.
The unique environment of space provides opportunities for research and development that are simply not possible on Earth. The higher levels of radiation, microgravity, and near vacuumless state allow companies to explore new manufacturing methods and materials. Although not entirely new, the International Space Station has already hosted numerous experiments in growing human tissue, producing purer semiconductors, and developing improved drugs. In fact, President Joe Biden has allocated $5 million in the 2024 fiscal-year budget for NASA to conduct cancer-related research on the ISS.
With growing interest and competition for access to the ISS, several space startups are seizing the opportunity to meet the demand for in-space manufacturing through compact space factories. One such company is Varda Space Industries based in Southern California. Varda’s mission is to leverage the unique properties of space to assist pharmaceutical companies in enhancing their drugs or discovering new drug therapies. The materials produced in space can then be returned to Earth for further use.
Protein crystallization is a crucial component of Varda’s business model. This process involves evaporating super-saturated protein solutions to form solid crystals, which scientists can study to understand the structure of proteins. Space-grown protein crystals have demonstrated higher quality compared to those grown on Earth. While the intention is not to manufacture entire drugs in space, Varda focuses on the primary active pharmaceutical ingredient that is responsible for a drug’s therapeutic effects. According to Delian Asparouhov, co-founder and president of Varda Space Industries, there is a vast market for such drugs that generate billions of dollars in revenue annually.
Across the Atlantic, Space Forge in Cardiff, Wales, is designing its own in-space factory to manufacture next-generation semiconductors. By utilizing materials other than silicon, Space Forge aims to create semiconductor substrates that are more efficient and high-performing. The advancements in materials are expected to deliver a 10 to 100-fold improvement in semiconductor performance, which is crucial for industries like 5G and electric vehicles.
Similar to Varda, Space Forge plans to produce only a portion of the chips in space. The key lies in creating perfect crystals in space, which is vital for achieving exceptional performance in advanced chips. Once these crystals are created, they can be replicated on Earth, eliminating the need for multiple space trips. This approach allows Space Forge to work with fabrication partners and customers on the ground to achieve scale.
In conclusion, in-space manufacturing is a promising field that offers unique opportunities for research and development. Companies like Varda Space Industries and Space Forge are pioneering this sector, capitalizing on the advantages of space to revolutionize industries such as pharmaceuticals and semiconductors. By leveraging the properties of space and replicating the manufacturing process on Earth, these startups are paving the way for a new era of innovation and economic growth.
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