Growing the Future of Electronics in Space
- Sharife Gacel
- Sep 16
- 2 min read
Liftoff of the Cygnus CRS-2 NG-23 (S.S. William "Willie" C. McCool) launch took place on September 14, 2025 from Space Launch Complex 40 at 6:11 p.m., and it was absolutely spectacular. The launch wasn’t just a remarkable liftoff. It carried a payload full of cutting-edge science bound for the International Space Station. Each mission brings opportunities to test new ideas in microgravity, with discoveries that can ripple far beyond spaceflight to improve life here on Earth.
One of the incredible experiments is the Semimetal-Semiconductor Composite (SSC) Bulk Crystals in Microgravity (SUBSA-InSPA-SSCug) investigation. At its core, this experiment is about growing highly advanced electronic materials that are incredibly difficult to produce on Earth. These special SSC crystals are essential for next-generation technologies like artificial intelligence, self-driving systems, defense applications, space exploration hardware, and high-performance computing.
Why Space?
On Earth, gravity interferes with the crystal growth process. As a result, only about 5% of the material ends up being high enough quality to use. In the microgravity environment of space, however, scientists believe they can dramatically improve that number to more than 90% usable material.
That difference could be game-changing. Devices built with these space-grown crystals may perform two to six times better than those made with Earth-grown materials.
How the Experiment Works
The SUBSA-InSPA-SSCug project unfolds in two phases aboard the ISS:
Test Crystals: Scientists first grow a set of trial crystals and return them to Earth for detailed analysis.
Functional Crystals: Building on what they learn, the team then grows a second set of crystals designed to be used directly in real-world sensors and devices.
Why It Matters
If successful, this work could:
Enable more powerful and efficient electronics for both defense and everyday use.
Open the door for entirely new space-based manufacturing industries.
Create opportunities to train and prepare a future workforce skilled in space-based production.
The NG-23 mission reminds us that launches are more than awe-inspiring spectacles. They are gateways to groundbreaking science that touches all of us back on Earth.
References
ISS National Laboratory. (n.d.). Solidification using a baffle in sealed ampoules (SUBSA). ISS National Lab. https://issnationallab.org/facilities/solidification-using-a-baffle-in-sealed-ampoules/
NASA. (2025, September 10). NASA sets coverage for Northrop Grumman CRS-23 (NG-23) launch. NASA. https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-sets-coverage-for-northrop-grumman-crs-23-spacex-falcon-9-launch/
Northrop Grumman. (n.d.). NASA commercial resupply mission NG-23. Northrop Grumman. https://www.northropgrumman.com/what-we-do/space/missions/nasa-commercial-resupply-mission-ng-23/
Redwire Space. (2023, May 31). New Redwire investigations launching on SpX-31 include crystallization and plant experiments to improve life on Earth and expand humanity’s presence in space. Redwire Space. https://redwirespace.com/newsroom/new-redwire-investigations-launching-on-spx-31-include-crystallization-and-plant-experiments-to-improve-life-on-earth-and-expand-humanitys-presence-in-space/
United Semiconductors LLC. (n.d.). About us. United Semiconductors. https://www.unitedsemiconductorsllc.com/about-1
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