New Partnerships Aims to Make Semiconductors in Space
“A new agreement between Space Forge and United Semiconductors LLC will aim to manufacture advanced semiconductors in space for future quantum computers and electronic devices…The collaboration with CA-based United Semiconductors, a specialist in crystal growth processes, is intended to help Space Forge design specialized equipment and explore new pathways for in-space manufacturing. There’s no timeline for when the first payloads or experiments could be launched, but the companies will develop a plan in the coming months to demonstrate the business case for commercial semiconductor production in orbit, according to the press release.”
Maxar image of China's Shijian-26 next generation earth observation satellite. Image via Twitter @AJ_FI.
China has been actively demonstrating its space capabilities by imaging U.S. commercial and military satellites using its own spacecraft. On September 13, Chinese company Changguang Satellite Technology (CGST) released images of the U.S.-owned Maxar Worldview Legion 2 satellite captured by its Jilin-1 constellation. These actions reflect China’s increasing focus on Non-Earth Imaging (NEI) for space situational awareness, intelligence gathering, and potential counterspace operations. Meanwhile, Chinese satellite Shiyan-12 (02) made a close approach—within 60 km—of a U.S. missile early warning satellite in geosynchronous orbit, highlighting ongoing cat-and-mouse maneuvers between Chinese, U.S., and Russian satellites. (via Space News)
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