STMicroelectronics (ST) has strengthened its competitiveness in space semiconductors.

ST announced on the 10th that it has introduced 'NG-ULTRA', a radiation-tolerant SoC FPGA targeting space applications, together with European semiconductor company NanoXplore.

The product is the first FPGA to receive certification under the European space standard ESCC 9030, and is considered a milestone symbolizing the technological independence and enhanced competitiveness of the European New Space industry.

NG-ULTRA is designed for a variety of space missions, including low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellite constellations.

It is expected to be applied to major European space programs such as Galileo, Copernicus and the future IRIS² project.

It simultaneously secures high-performance digital processing and radiation resistance, supporting the implementation of core functions such as satellite onboard computing, data management, image and video processing, and software-defined radio (SDR).

In particular, NG-ULTRA has obtained certification under the new European standard ESCC 9030, which targets high-performance microcircuits using flip-chip structures based on organic substrates or plastic packages.

This is a conventional heavy and expensive ceramic package.It can replace existing solutions, providing cost-effectiveness and scalability suitable for large satellite constellations and commercial space missions.

Another key aspect of this collaboration is that the entire process is built on the European Union (EU) supply chain.

ST has secured a stable supply chain sovereignty by leveraging its European infrastructure for design, manufacturing, packaging, and testing.

This is supported by R&D centers located in France and Italy, a 300mm fab, and dedicated space packaging and reliability evaluation facilities.

NanoExplorer and ST's strategy with NG-ULTRA is to help European customers develop satellites and space systems with higher performance and competitiveness.

It is expected to simultaneously meet the high performance, low power, and reasonable cost structure required by the European new space industry, and also contribute to the implementation of edge computing that reduces data transmission bottlenecks between space and the ground.