Axiom Space, a leading private space company with a unique connection to the International Space Station (ISS), has proposed an innovative idea to produce semiconductor materials in space. The company recently visited Taiwan to pitch the potential benefits of microgravity and vacuum environments for semiconductor manufacturing.
Dr. Koichi Wakata, Axiom’s Chief Technology Officer for Asia-Pacific and former ISS commander, highlighted how microgravity could enable the growth of defect-free semiconductor crystals. On Earth, gravity and atmospheric impurities can disrupt crystal formation, leading to imperfections. In contrast, space’s low gravity and vacuum conditions could allow for more uniform crystal growth, producing higher-quality materials for semiconductors.
Divya Panchanathan, Axiom’s global head of semiconductor commercialization, explained that microgravity allows for better crystal alignment and growth without the interference of gravity, while the vacuum environment minimizes contamination, potentially leading to larger and higher-performing crystals. These advancements could result in next-generation semiconductors that outperform those made on Earth.
Axiom Space has proposed partnering with Taiwanese companies to conduct initial experiments aboard the ISS, with plans to expand production to Axiom’s commercial space station after 2030. If successful, these experiments could lead to a scalable process for producing semiconductors in space, offering a potential leap in semiconductor manufacturing capabilities.
While the idea holds promise, practical challenges remain. The high cost of launching materials into space — currently around $3,000 per kilogram — presents significant hurdles. Even with cost reductions expected from advancements like SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy, producing semiconductor materials in space may not be cost-effective compared to Earth-based production in the near future.
The potential of space-based manufacturing could become more viable in the long term, especially as the microelectronics industry moves toward more advanced, sub-angstrom process technologies. However, it will require the development of specialized technologies and infrastructure, as well as a shift in the semiconductor industry’s approach to manufacturing.
At this stage, Axiom’s concept offers a fascinating glimpse into the future of space innovation, with the possibility of revolutionizing semiconductor production as technological needs evolve.
Image by Caspar With on Pixabay
