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Manufacturing the Future in Space: Semiconductors, Sovereignty, and Ridiculously Audacious Goals | Josh Western
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What's the value of a ridiculously audacious goal if you never reach it? Josh Western, CEO of Space Forge, argues the question misses the point - because the innovations accelerated along the journey often matter more than the destination itself.
Space Forge manufactures advanced semiconductor substrates in microgravity conditions, returns them via reusable satellites, then grows them terrestrially using a ‘sourdough starter’ approach. It's technically audacious, operationally complex, and solves a critical problem: producing higher-purity compound semiconductors for AI, EVs, 5G, and energy infrastructure without Earth's gravitational constraints.
Josh reveals why Space Forge could be five different startups (in-space manufacturing, reentry vehicles, heat shields, landing software, crystal growth), but integration creates the real multiplier. He explains the regulatory nightmare of manufacturing in international waters, why payload economics now matter more than launch costs, and how recruiting for passion beats technical pedigree when no one has ‘10 years experience making semiconductors in space.’
His North Star: making space manufacturing so ubiquitous and boring that people don't realise the chip in their kettle came from orbit. Until then, every innovation along the journey - from sovereign supply chain contributions to regulatory frameworks - creates substantial value independent of the ultimate goal.
Essential listening for Deep Tech founders navigating vertical integration, novel regulatory challenges, and the tension between moonshot ambitions and incremental
Learn more about Lab to Market Leadership: https://www.deeptechleaders.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/deeptechleaders
Podcast Production: Beauxhaus
Chapters
1. Introduction to Just-in-Time Manufacturing in Microelectronics (00:00:00)
2. Welcome to the Lab to Market Leadership Podcast (00:00:50)
3. The Value of Audacious Goals: A Look Back at the Apollo Program (00:01:24)
4. Interview with Josh Western: Space Forge's Ambitious Vision (00:04:41)
5. The Challenges and Innovations in Space Manufacturing (00:07:31)
6. The Importance of Semiconductors and Global Supply Chain (00:09:53)
7. Vertical Integration and Resource Management at Space Forge (00:18:53)
8. The Science Behind Microgravity Manufacturing (00:26:21)
9. The Sourdough Analogy: Space Forge's Production Process (00:32:47)
10. Challenges in Space Manufacturing and Regulation (00:35:17)
11. Creating Value and Future Goals (00:37:54)
12. Focus on Semiconductors: The Critical Technology (00:40:50)
13. Cost Efficiency and Investment in Space Forge (00:44:44)
14. Recruitment Philosophy and Team Building (00:48:27)
15. The Importance of Passion and Enjoyment in Work (01:01:09)
16. Conclusion and Final Thoughts (01:02:56)
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