Europe invests in orbital manufacturing

Space Cargo Unlimited invested in Novespace on September 1, 2026, to advance Europe's in-orbit manufacturing ambitions using microgravity for pharmaceuticals and advanced materials. The move connects parabolic testing with plans for a modular space factory called BentoBox and a 2028 mission aboard SpaceX's Starfall vehicle capable of returning up to one metric ton of goods. The initiative aims to build an industrial pipeline from microgravity experimentation to orbital production and Earth recovery, testing economic viability. Supported by ESA, the UK Space Agency, and the European Commission, the effort seeks to establish Europe as a leader in commercial space manufacturing before the ISS era ends.