Besxar, a startup focused on semiconductor manufacturing in space, has secured an agreement with SpaceX to test its orbital fabrication technology aboard Falcon 9 rocket boosters. These boosters, known for their frequent reuse, provide a unique platform for Besxar to develop semiconductor precursors in the vacuum of space.
Traditional chip fabrication on Earth requires extensive clean room infrastructure to prevent contamination, a challenge Besxar hopes to overcome by exploiting the natural vacuum environment in orbit. The company has raised nearly $14 million, including a $9 million seed round, to advance its technology.
Besxar’s initial experiments involved small canisters called “fabships” that flew on a recent Starlink mission. These tests demonstrated the canisters’ ability to survive launch conditions, protect semiconductor wafers from contamination, and expose them to space’s vacuum. Despite a data system issue on one canister, the samples returned were cleaner than terrestrial counterparts.
Over the next two years, Besxar plans to iterate on its process, gradually increasing complexity by heating wafers and depositing multiple materials. The long-term goal is to operate larger semiconductor fabs aboard vehicles like SpaceX’s Starship, pending its operational readiness.
The company aims to supply advanced semiconductor wafers used in power regulation for data centers, robotics, and electric vehicles. While other companies are exploring space-based semiconductor manufacturing, challenges remain in returning significant product volumes to Earth. Besxar’s progress depends on the availability of cost-effective rocket transport, which could improve as next-generation rockets from SpaceX and other providers become operational.
By focusing on manufacturing in orbit and leveraging reusable launch vehicles, Besxar hopes to reduce the complexity and cost of producing high-quality semiconductors, potentially impacting industries reliant on advanced chip technology.