ForgeStar-1

Benchmark thrusters will enable ForgeStar-1 to perform a precision deorbit and return to a precise location on Earth, reducing the need to transport materials from distant recovery sites and associated greenhouse gas emissions.

Space Forge managed the ForgeStar-1 furnace activation from its Mission Operations Centre in Cardiff, Wales.

As of February 3, 2026, Space Forge reported that ForgeStar-1's plasma generation proved the company could create the environment needed for advanced crystal growth on a commercial satellite in orbit.

Space Forge's ForgeStar-1 was shipped to the U.S. ahead of a SpaceX launch and the mission includes testing the Pridwen heat shield designed to facilitate safe, reusable satellite re-entry.

Benchmark Space Systems will provide propulsion for ForgeStar-1, Space Forge’s first in-space manufacturing and return demonstration, under a contract announced 2022-05-24.

Space Forge will use the ForgeStar-0 mission to test key elements of its return technology ahead of a re-entry and landing test on ForgeStar-1 next year.

AAC Clyde Space previously received orders for the ForgeStar-1 project in December 2020 and January 2022.

AAC Clyde Space expected to complete delivery of the ForgeStar-1 order during the second quarter of 2023.

In June 2025, Space Forge successfully launched its ForgeStar-1 satellite, receiving the UK's first licence for in-space manufacturing.