GROOVE: From Microgravity Research to Commercial Application

We are pleased to introduce “GROOVE” – our current project within the ESA BSGN Business in Space Growth Network Advanced Materials and In-orbit Manufacturing Industry Accelerator.

With GROOVE (short for “Growth Parameter Observation & Validation Experiment”), we take a first, focused step toward a new approach to advanced materials production: transferring key manufacturing processes from Earth into space. 

From Concept to Application

For decades, crystal growth under microgravity conditions has primarily been explored in research environments. These studies have consistently demonstrated that the absence of gravity-driven effects such as convection, segregation, and sedimentation enables fundamentally different material formation processes. With GROOVE, we build on this foundation and move toward application: Our objective is to translate established scientific insight into a viable pathway for industrial use. 

Why Microgravity Matters

On Earth, gravity introduces disturbances during crystal growth that limit material quality. In microgravity, these effects are significantly reduced. The result is the formation of highly homogeneous, defect-reduced crystals with a level of quality that cannot be achieved under terrestrial conditions!

Such material properties are critical for next-generation technologies, including advanced semiconductor devices, high-performance sensing systems, and quantum applications. 

A Step Toward In-Space Production

GROOVE is designed as an early validation mission. The project (including planning, preparation, and testing) focuses on three main aspects:

• Demonstrating the feasibility of space-based manufacturing systems

• Finetuning the reliable technical operation of specialized hardware for crystal growth processes under microgravity

• Identifying and overcoming central challenges such as power supply and return

By addressing these elements, we aim to move beyond experimental setups and toward scalable, space-enabled production of high-performance materials. 

Embedded in the ESA BSGN Accelerator

Our selection as part of the ESA BSGN Advanced Materials and In-orbit Manufacturing Industry Accelerator provides a structured framework to advance GROOVE. Within this program, we refine both the technical and commercial foundations required for future deployment in orbit.The accelerator enables us to systematically prepare the mission while aligning it with long-term industrial objectives.

Looking Up & Ahead

GROOVE marks an important milestone for Levion Materials. It represents not only a specific mission, but also a broader shift in how advanced materials can be designed and produced.

We look forward to sharing further insights as the project progresses.

Your Levion Team