Strategic hire reinforces 51’s mission to revolutionize domestic semiconductor manufacturing through in-space innovation.


51 Inc., headquartered in Florida and the U.S. subsidiary of the UK-based leader in in-space manufacturing, has appointed Dr. Atul Kumar as Head of Semiconductors in the U.S. This key strategic hire marks a significant milestone as the company accelerates plans to establish a U.S.-based manufacturing capability for semiconductor materials, supporting both Earth-based production and in-space innovation.

The move aligns with 51 Inc.'s mission to revolutionise domestic semiconductor manufacturing and bolster national supply chain resilience in line with the CHIPS and Science Act.

Dr. Kumar, a materials scientist and semiconductor industry veteran, brings over two decades of experience in delivering cutting-edge process and equipment solutions across  semiconductors, displays, packaging, and advanced thin-film coating materials. With a PhD in physics, his work spans critical innovations for high-value applications, several of those now in commercial production.

At 51 Inc., Dr. Kumar will lead the development of U.S.-based manufacturing operations, supporting both terrestrial and in-space growth of semiconductor substrates. He is tasked with building a dedicated U.S. facility and advancing collaborations with strategic partners across defense, aerospace, power electronics, photonics, and quantum computing industries.

“I’m thrilled to be joining 51 at such a pivotal time for the semiconductor sector,” said Dr. Kumar. “The opportunity to develop materials that can only be made in space - and then use them to transform what’s possible on Earth - is truly out of this world. 51 has the vision, the talent, and the technology to redefine what’s possible in semiconductor manufacturing.”

Michelle Flemming, President of 51 Inc., commented:  “Atul’s appointment signals our deep commitment to building an integrated, end-to-end semiconductor capability in the U.S. His leadership and technical expertise will accelerate our work in delivering next-generation materials to support everything from resilient communications infrastructure to clean energy systems.”

Dr. Kumar’s first year will focus on operationalizing 51 Inc.'s U.S. facility, launching discussions with key customers and feeding insights into 51’s upcoming ForgeStar™ missions - designed to validate material performance in orbit and establish scalable production pathways.

This appointment comes amid a period of rapid growth for 51 Inc., following the opening of its Florida office and the continued expansion of the ForgeStar™ satellite platform, the world’s first returnable and relaunchable in-space manufacturing solution.

By harnessing microgravity, extreme temperatures, and vacuum conditions in space, 51 is unlocking new frontiers in the creation of semiconductor materials that are impossible to manufacture on Earth.