STMicroelectronics powers its space chip with radiation-hardened (rad-hard) technologies tailored for harsh orbital environments. Key ones include rad-hard discrete components like bipolar transistors, power MOSFETs, diodes, and rectifiers, alongside analog ICs such as amplifiers and data converters.
STMicroelectronics is targeting more than $3 billion in cumulative revenue from its semiconductor space business between 2026 and 2028.
The Geneva-based chip giant shared this ambitious outlook during a dedicated investor call, fueled by exploding demand for chips in low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations like Starlink.
The numbers tell a compelling growth story. ST’s LEO revenue has skyrocketed from about $175 million in 2021 to roughly $600 million last year, and it’s on track to hit nearly $1 billion by the end of this year.
With over 5 billion RF antenna chips already shipped to SpaceX’s Starlink project, the company is deeply embedded in the broadband satellite revolution.
BiCMOS Tech And Advanced Packaging
This isn’t just about satellites, ST is leveraging its strengths in BiCMOS technology and advanced packaging to meet the unique demands of space-grade semiconductors.
As LEO networks expand rapidly for global connectivity, the need for reliable, high-performance chips is only intensifying.
BiCMOS technology stands out for LEO satellites it’s a hybrid of bipolar and CMOS that delivers high-speed RF performance and power efficiency, powering over 5 billion antenna chips shipped to Starlink for user terminals and satellite links.
Space Chips With Radiation-Hardened (rad-hard) Technologies
STMicroelectronics powers its space chip with radiation-hardened (rad-hard) technologies tailored for harsh orbital environments. Key ones include rad-hard discrete components like bipolar transistors, power MOSFETs, diodes, and rectifiers, alongside analog ICs such as amplifiers and data converters.
130nm CMOS Processes
They also use proprietary 130nm CMOS processes for high-speed logic (like quad NAND gates and oscillator drivers running 150MHz+), QML-V and ESCC-qualified parts for reliability, and advanced packaging to handle radiation up to 300 krad TID with SEL/SET immunity.
Looking ahead, ST sees even bigger opportunities, like orbital data centers, though it’s keeping those out of the current forecast to stay conservative. For a 49-year-old space division, this feels like a renaissance, positioning the firm as a key player in Europe’s semiconductor resurgence.
