United Semiconductors LLC announced on March 3 2026 that it has reserved payload space on Starlab Space LLC, the commercial low‑Earth‑orbit station majority‑owned by Voyager Technologies and partners such as Airbus, Mitsubishi Corporation, and MDA Space.
The reservation will allow United Semiconductors to move its microgravity crystal‑growth technology from a demonstration on the International Space Station to sustained, commercial‑scale production aboard Starlab, a step that could accelerate the availability of defect‑free semiconductor materials for aerospace, AI, and national‑security applications.
Starlab has secured NASA funding through the Commercial LEO Destinations program in the range of $160 million to $217.5 million and is slated for launch no earlier than 2028 or 2029. The partnership signals confidence in Starlab’s commercial viability and could attract additional payload customers and investors.
By securing a customer that can generate revenue once the station becomes operational, the deal represents a strategic milestone for Voyager’s Starlab venture, which has been seeking to monetize its space‑station platform beyond the NASA funding. The partnership also strengthens U.S. semiconductor supply chains by enabling domestic, space‑based manufacturing of critical materials.
Management at Starlab and United Semiconductors highlighted the strategic importance of the collaboration. Marshall Smith, CEO of Starlab Space, said, “Advanced materials manufacturing is one of the most strategically important frontiers in low‑Earth orbit. United Semiconductors has already demonstrated the performance advantages of microgravity‑grown crystals. Through Starlab’s commercial platform, we are enabling the infrastructure needed to move from successful missions to scalable, repeatable production that strengthens domestic supply chains and supports next‑generation semiconductor technologies.” Dr. Partha Dutta, Chief Technologist of United Semiconductors, added, “United Semiconductors has demonstrated space manufacturing of bulk crystals with strong support from NASA’s In‑Space Production Applications program, delivering a compelling value proposition for in‑space semiconductor products. As we establish long‑term partnerships with leading aerospace companies and integrate commercial supply chains for terrestrial and space‑based fabrication services, our partnership with Starlab provides a stable, reliable manufacturing platform to accelerate our rapidly expanding crystal production and service portfolio.”
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