NanoXplore and STMicroelectronics have announced the qualification of the NG-ULTRA radiation-hardened SoC FPGA for space use, marking a significant advance for Europe’s satellite technology sector. Developed specifically for low- and medium-earth orbit missions, NG-ULTRA will support a wide range of satellite equipment, including potential deployment in flagship programs such as Galileo, Copernicus, and IRIS².
The device has achieved certification under the ESCC 9030 standard, becoming the first product approved to this new European benchmark for high-performance microcircuits using advanced packaging techniques. The milestone demonstrates Europe’s ability to design, manufacture, assemble, and test complex space-grade electronics within a secure regional supply chain, strengthening long-term autonomy for satellite programs.
Édouard Lepape, Chief Executive Officer of NanoXplore, said the qualification confirms Europe’s capability to produce advanced digital components for both deep-space and constellation missions. He added that collaboration with the European Space Agency, CNES, and the European Commission has helped strengthen the competitiveness of European satellites. Thomas Goust, General Manager of the Space Division at STMicroelectronics, noted that the partnership brings together proven FD-SOI technology, radiation-hardening expertise, and manufacturing resources to deliver reliable chips tailored for new-generation space platforms.
NG-ULTRA addresses the evolving needs of satellite constellations, where higher computing performance, efficient power use, and controlled costs are essential. The all-in-one SoC combines a quad-core Arm Cortex-R52 processor with programmable logic, enabling onboard computing, data management, image processing, software-defined radio, and autonomous mission functions. The architecture simplifies circuit design, reduces system weight, and improves efficiency.
Manufactured using STMicroelectronics’ 28-nanometer FD-SOI process, the device is built to withstand extreme temperature cycles, vibration, and radiation encountered during launch and long-duration missions. It offers total ionizing dose tolerance up to 50 krad (Si) and resilience against single-event effects, ensuring reliability in harsh orbital conditions. Its SRAM-based structure also allows hardware reconfiguration after launch, enabling operators to adapt systems during a mission’s lifetime.
The NG-ULTRA program relies on design centers in Paris, Grenoble, and Montpellier, along with STMicroelectronics facilities in Crolles, Rennes, Grenoble, Agrate, and other European locations. Evaluation kits are available to support rapid prototyping and integration.
NanoXplore develops radiation-hardened FPGA technologies for space and avionics markets, while STMicroelectronics provides semiconductor solutions to customers worldwide. Together, the companies aim to strengthen Europe’s leadership in advanced space electronics and support the growing demand for high-performance satellite systems.
ST stated it has around 50,000 employees worldwide and operates advanced manufacturing sites as an integrated device manufacturer. The company works with more than 200,000 customers and thousands of partners to develop technologies supporting smarter mobility, improved energy efficiency, and large-scale deployment of connected and autonomous systems. ST also reaffirmed its progress toward carbon neutrality across its emissions footprint and its target of achieving 100% renewable electricity sourcing by the end of 2027.
