Space Forge's ForgeStar-1 Mission Demonstrates UK Supply Chain Strength in World-first Plasma Achievement

Space Forge has successfully demonstrated the operation of a key spacecraft subsystem aboard its groundbreaking ForgeStar-1 mission, highlighting the strength and innovation of the UK's space supply chain.

A high-pressure tank manufactured by UK advanced materials company TISICS has performed fully to specification in low Earth orbit, supplying the pressurised gas required to operate Space Forge's Plasma Strike experiment. The successful performance marks an important technical milestone for ForgeStar®-1 and provides TISICS with its first commercial flight heritage in space.

The TISICS-manufactured tank is an enabling component behind Space Forge's recent achievement of the world's first commercial plasma generation in space. Operating reliably in the harsh conditions of low Earth orbit, the tank demonstrates how UK-developed technologies are enabling entirely new industrial frontiers beyond Earth.

This collaboration represents a broader success story for the UK space sector, combining Space Forge's pioneering work in orbital manufacturing with innovative materials and component expertise from domestic partners like TISICS. Together, these capabilities strengthen the UK's position in emerging markets including In-orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM) and future satellite refuelling infrastructure.

Joshua Western, CEO and Co-founder of Space Forge, said: “Our ForgeStar-1 mission continues to demonstrate what's possible when the UK's most innovative engineering and manufacturing expertise comes together. 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.”

Stephen Kyle-Henney, Managing Director of TISICS, said: “We are thrilled to have played a role in enabling this highly exciting mission. 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.”