Russia Takes Semiconductor Production to Space
An experiment aboard the International Space Station aims to grow ultra-pure semiconductor crystals in the vacuum of space — a potential game-changer for quantum and high-performance electronics.
Russian cosmonauts have assembled a scientific installation called Ekran-M, a space-based molecular beam epitaxy unit designed to grow semiconductor crystals in orbit. The device will be mounted on the outer surface of the International Space Station (ISS) on October 16, using the station’s robotic arm.
Materials for the Electronics of the Future
Russia has become the first country in the world to begin producing semiconductors in space. On Earth, even microscopic traces of air can compromise the purity of materials, making the process extremely difficult. In orbit, however, the natural vacuum of space provides a perfect environment for crystal growth without contamination.
The experiment could redefine the global semiconductor industry, offering a new frontier for producing materials with controlled conductivity and unmatched structural precision. According to project scientists, space-grown crystals could play a crucial role in quantum computing and next-generation electronic systems — marking a bold step in humanity’s race for technological supremacy.
