In 1994, the space shuttle Discovery held a Wake Shield disk behind it while still attached to its robot arm; the facility produced 5 good semiconductor films

In 1994, the space shuttle Discovery transported the Wake Shield Facility, designed to establish an ultra-clean vacuum environment. This groundbreaking experiment sought to cultivate purer semiconductor crystals than those achievable on Earth. Despite facing communication and navigation challenges, five high-quality films were successfully produced. Subsequent missions showcased the platform's capabilities for material production, propelling the idea of utilizing space for advanced manufacturing.