The growth of the global space industry brings the need for a steady supply of highly reliable, “space-grade” chips for an increasing number of programs.
For the past seven years, that need has fueled collaboration in the space sector between TTTech, a technology leader in safe networking and computing platforms, and ST Microelectronics, a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications.
TTTech said its advanced, safe and reliable networking components and platform solutions, based on ST chips, are deployed in key space industry commercial and exploration programs.
TTTech and ST completed the development, industrialization and qualification of highly integrated, radiation-hardened TTEthernet network controllers in mid-2021. The devices are now used in the avionics systems of multiple launcher and robotic programs, including the European launcher program Ariane 6. The two companies have collaborated on developing an avionics backbone system for Ariane 6, where it was necessary to create a solution supporting a short life cycle in the harsh conditions of a launch.
A second variant of the co-developed chip, tailored for the very harsh constraints of deep space, is being implemented in modules of NASA’s Gateway space station, a key part of NASA’s Artemis program. Artemis, according to NASA, intends to land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon, along with exploring more of the lunar surface than ever before, establishing a long-term presence on the Moon and ultimately taking the next giant leap of sending the first astronauts to Mars.
Notably, the second variant uses a hermetic ceramic package to support deep space radiation over an extended life cycle of multiple years. It will be on board the first two NASA Gateway modules to go to space: the Habitation and Logistics Module (HALO) and the Power and Propulsion Element (PPE). The PPE will generate 60 kW of electrical power to power Gateway’s subsystems and solar electric propulsion system, allowing it to maintain its unique orbit around the Moon and communications for the lunar orbiting outpost. Meanwhile, the HALO module will serve as the backbone for command and control and power distribution across Gateway, providing living quarters and enabling science investigations and communication with lunar surface expeditions.
“We are witnessing a new space era,” noted TTTech CEO Georg Kopetz. “TTTech is proud to be on board of such missions and to work with a leading technology company like STMicroelectronics to shape the future of the space market.”
