Manifest Space with Morgan Brennan Semiconductors in Space: Inside Besxar’s Plan to Redefine Chip Manufacturing 10/30/25
Oct 30, 2025
Ashley Pilipiszyn, Founder and CEO of Besxar, is on a mission to manufacture semiconductors in space using autonomous 'fab ships.' She explains how the ultra-high vacuum of space can create ultra-pure wafers, potentially cutting costs significantly. Ashley shares insights about her origins at OpenAI and the inspiration behind Bexar’s innovative approach. The discussion also covers partnerships with SpaceX and the U.S. Navy, along with future plans for launches and the impact of space manufacturing on domestic chip supply chains.
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Space Removes Core Fab Overhead
- Ashley Pilipiszyn argues space's ultra-high vacuum lets you remove massive fab capital like HVAC, vacuum pumps, solvents, and cleanroom suits.
- That environmental simplification can cut manufacturing cost growth driven by Rock's Law.
Iterate With Short Test Flights First
- Start with short, iterative missions (Clipper class) to test wafers through launch, time in space, and re-entry.
- Use that data to validate returns and scale production over the next two years.
Reusable Fab Ships To Speed Iteration
- Bexar plans 12 launches carrying 24 reusable fab ships, enabling fast load-and-go testing and reflights.
- Reusable payloads aim to speed iteration and lower per-run hardware costs.