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The American company Axiom Space, known for its missions to the International Space Station (ISS), has presented an innovative vision to Taiwan: taking semiconductor material manufacturing to space. During a visit to Taiwan last November, representatives from Axiom Space discussed collaboration possibilities in a project that would leverage the unique conditions of microgravity and vacuum in space to revolutionize semiconductor production.
Space as an Innovation Laboratory
The proposal was introduced during an international meeting on space science organized by the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) in Kaohsiung. One of the main advocates for the idea was Dr. Koichi Wakata, Axiom Space’s Chief Technology Officer for Asia-Pacific and a former ISS commander, who highlighted the advantages of microgravity for research and industrial production.
According to Wakata, sectors such as biotechnology, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and semiconductor materials could greatly benefit from conditions in space. In particular, microgravity in low Earth orbit (LEO) allows for more uniform crystal growth used in semiconductor manufacturing, reducing structural defects caused by gravity and eliminating impurities in the process.
Semiconductors: Challenges on Earth, Opportunities in Space
Divya Panchanathan, global director of semiconductor commercialization at Axiom Space, explained that the manufacturing of certain advanced materials faces limitations on Earth due to gravitational forces and environmental contamination. In space, crystal growth is optimized, which could enable the production of larger and higher quality electrical components. This advancement could offset the costs associated with manufacturing in space, making it economically viable.
“In space, we can manufacture valuable products that are difficult to produce on Earth due to gravitational limitations,” Wakata added.
A Bridge Between Taiwan and Space
Taiwan, a global leader in semiconductor technology and manufacturing, could play a key role in this new technological frontier. Wakata emphasized that Taiwan’s expertise in semiconductor engineering makes it an ideal partner for such initiatives. Axiom Space has already proposed collaborating with Taiwanese companies to send experiments to the ISS and later to the commercial space station they are developing as a successor to the ISS, which is scheduled to be decommissioned in 2030.
In addition to semiconductors, Wakata identified collaboration opportunities in sectors such as machinery, textiles, and artificial intelligence. The initial exploration of these possibilities began in 2023 when Axiom Space sent a delegation to Taiwan. A year later, Taiwanese officials visited Axiom Space’s headquarters in Houston to reaffirm mutual interest in future partnerships.
A Vision for the Future
The idea of relocating semiconductor production to space represents a milestone in technological evolution, offering Taiwan the opportunity to maintain its leadership in the industry while exploring new frontiers. The space modules dedicated to manufacturing that Axiom Space is developing could pave the way for an unprecedented era of innovation, where the advantages of microgravity transform not only semiconductor production but also other key sectors for the global economy.
Space is no longer just a place for scientific exploration, but a new environment for commercial and industrial collaboration. With these proposals, Axiom Space and Taiwan could lay the groundwork for a technological revolution that impacts the entire world.
via: FocusTaiwan