Summary
A company called Space Forge has launched a small factory into space to make semiconductors. The space environment allows them to create extremely pure materials, which are used in technologies like phones and electric vehicles.
Key Facts
- Space Forge is based in Cardiff and is working on manufacturing semiconductors in space.
- They launched a small factory, about the size of a microwave, into orbit on a SpaceX rocket.
- The factory can reach temperatures around 1,000 degrees Celsius to make semiconductors.
- Semiconductors made in space can be up to 4,000 times purer than those made on Earth.
- These materials will improve electronic devices used in 5G towers, car chargers, and planes.
- The company plans to build a larger factory to produce materials for 10,000 semiconductor chips.
- They need to test a heat shield to ensure they can safely bring materials back to Earth.
- Other companies are exploring making different products, like pharmaceuticals, in space.
