Space Forge achieves key milestone with ForgeStar-1 as UK-built subsystem proves successful in orbit

Space Forge has successfully demonstrated the operation of a critical spacecraft subsystem aboard its ForgeStar-1 mission, marking a significant milestone for both the company and the wider UK space supply chain.

At the heart of the achievement is a high-pressure tank developed by Farnborough-based advanced materials specialist TISICS, which has performed to specification in low Earth orbit. The component is responsible for supplying the pressurised gas needed to power Space Forge’s Plasma Strike experiment, and its successful operation provides TISICS with its first commercial flight heritage in space.

UK technology enables in-orbit manufacturing breakthrough

The tank played a key role in enabling what Space Forge describes as the world’s first commercial plasma generation in space. Operating reliably in the harsh conditions of low Earth orbit, the subsystem highlights the growing maturity of UK-developed technologies designed for use beyond Earth.

The milestone underscores the importance of specialist materials and component expertise in supporting emerging space-based manufacturing applications. By demonstrating consistent performance in orbit, the TISICS-built tank validates its suitability for future missions and more complex in-space industrial processes.

Strengthening the UK’s position in emerging space markets

The collaboration between Space Forge and TISICS reflects a broader trend within the UK space sector, where partnerships between system developers and advanced manufacturing firms are driving innovation in new markets.

In particular, the success of ForgeStar-1 supports the UK’s ambitions in In-orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM), as well as future satellite refuelling infrastructure. These rapidly developing areas are expected to play a central role in the next phase of the space economy.

“Our ForgeStar-1 mission continues to demonstrate what’s possible when the UK’s most innovative engineering and manufacturing expertise comes together,” he said. “TISICS’ tank played a critical role in supporting Plasma Strike operations in orbit, and it’s fantastic to work with partners helping build the foundations of a new manufacturing frontier in space.” – Joshua Western, CEO and co-founder of Space Forge.

Stephen Kyle-Henney, managing director of TISICS, added that the project highlights the UK’s growing leadership in advanced materials and in-orbit capabilities.

“We are thrilled to have played a role in enabling this highly exciting mission,” he said. “It’s great to see the UK taking a lead in the development of new in-orbit manufacturing capabilities. Combining this with strong UK heritage in advanced materials and manufacturing, such as those being developed by TISICS, will place the UK in a superb position in the emerging in-orbit servicing and manufacturing markets.”

Building flight heritage for future missions

For TISICS, the successful deployment of its high-pressure tank represents an important step in building credibility within the space sector. Flight heritage remains a critical factor in securing future contracts, and this milestone positions the company to play a larger role in upcoming missions.

More broadly, the ForgeStar-1 mission demonstrates how collaborative innovation across the UK supply chain is helping to unlock new industrial possibilities in space, as orbital manufacturing moves from concept to commercial reality.