Aegis Aerospace and United Semiconductors Launch $10M In-Space Manufacturing Project

This article is based on an official press release from Aegis Aerospace and United Semiconductors.

Aegis Aerospace and United Semiconductors Announce $10M Partnership for In-Space Manufacturing

Aegis Aerospace Inc. and United Semiconductors LLC have officially announced a strategic Partnerships to develop and launch the Advanced Materials Manufacturing Platform (AMMP). Billed by the companies as the “World’s First In-Space Advanced Materials Manufacturing Facility,” this initiative aims to establish a persistent commercial capability for producing high-quality semiconductor materials in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

According to the announcement released on January 6, 2026, the project is supported by a grant of up to $10 million from the Texas Space Commission (TSC). The Investments, awarded through the Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund (SEARF), is designated to cover the design, development, and flight-readiness of the platform over a two-year timeline.

The Advanced Materials Manufacturing Platform (AMMP)

The core of this partnership is the development of the AMMP, a facility designed to leverage the unique environment of space for industrial production. The collaboration divides responsibilities based on each company’s established expertise in the aerospace and technology sectors.

“Aegis Aerospace Inc., a leader in space and defense technology, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with United Semiconductors LLC to pioneer semiconductor manufacturing in space.”

, Official Press Announcement

Roles and Responsibilities

Aegis Aerospace will serve as the infrastructure provider. The company is tasked with building and operating the AMMP, managing mission logistics, and overseeing orbital operations. Aegis brings significant heritage to the project as the operator of the MISSE (Materials International Space Station Experiment) flight facility, which currently tests materials on the exterior of the International Space Station (ISS).

United Semiconductors will act as the Manufacturing expert, providing proprietary technology for growing semiconductor crystals. The company specializes in III-V binary and ternary semiconductor compounds, materials critical for high-performance electronics, and has previously conducted successful crystal-growth experiments on the ISS.

Funding and Timeline

The $10 million grant from the Texas Space-Agencies underscores the state’s investment in the commercial space economy. The project timeline outlines a development phase spanning 2025 and 2026, with systems acceptance reviews targeted for mid-2027. The funding is specifically allocated to ensure the AMMP reaches flight-readiness within this window.

The Science of In-Space Production

The primary driver behind the AMMP is the physical advantage of manufacturing in microgravity. On Earth, gravity-induced convection currents in molten materials can introduce defects into crystal structures. In the microgravity environment of LEO, these currents are absent, theoretically allowing for the growth of larger, more uniform, and defect-free crystals.

Target Materials

The partnership is specifically focused on III-V materials, such as Gallium Arsenide and Indium Phosphide. These compounds are distinct from standard silicon and are essential for advanced applications, including:

• High-frequency 5G and 6G communications.
• Advanced sensors for aerospace and defense.
• High-efficiency power electronics.

While the cost of launching mass to orbit is high, the significant value per kilogram of these advanced crystals makes them a viable candidate for economically sustainable in-space manufacturing.

AirPro News Analysis

The claim of developing the “World’s First In-Space Advanced Materials Manufacturing Facility” places Aegis and United Semiconductors in a competitive and rapidly evolving market. While other entities, such as Varda Space Industries and Space Forge, are developing return capsules and free-flying satellites for similar purposes, the AMMP appears to distinguish itself as a persistent platform.

By leveraging Aegis’s experience with the MISSE platform, the AMMP is likely designed to operate as a dedicated, long-term facility attached to a station (such as the ISS or a future commercial station), rather than a single-use return vehicle. This approach could allow for continuous manufacturing cycles, positioning Texas as a central hub for the supply chain of critical orbital materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AMMP?

The Advanced Materials Manufacturing Platform is a planned facility for producing semiconductor materials in Low Earth Orbit, developed jointly by Aegis Aerospace and United Semiconductors.

Why manufacture semiconductors in space?

The lack of gravity in space eliminates convection currents during the crystal growth process, resulting in materials with fewer defects and higher performance than those produced on Earth.

Who is funding the project?

The project has received a grant of up to $10 million from the Texas Space Commission’s Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund (SEARF).

Sources

• Aegis Aerospace / PR Newswire
• Aegis Aerospace Official Site
• United Semiconductors