Over the past decade, the European Commission has invested significantly in space research in order to strengthen Europe’s capabilities in critical technologies that have traditionally been sourced from outside the European Union (EU). Since 2009, this mission has been supported through successive framework programmes, the latest one being Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation programme for the period 2021-2027. Within Horizon Europe, the EU Space Research and Innovation (R&I) Work Programme has a dedicated topic covering Critical Space Technologies aimed at building stronger, resilient EU-based space capabilities.
In this period, the space technology sector has experienced unprecedented growth, driven by innovative breakthroughs, and an intensifying global competition. In response to this, the EU has adopted a multifaceted strategy to bolster its position. The European Commission General Directorate for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS) employs a threefold approach, which consists of the following elements: developing cutting-edge space Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) components and systems which are critical for EU strategic autonomy, establishing space heritage through In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD)/In-Orbit Validation (IOV) opportunities, and enabling the integration of critical space technologies into EU missions.
Unlike blue-sky research, these space-focused projects follow a needs-based approach: the Commission identifies specific technological gaps based on the needs of the EU space missions and then collaborates with industry to develop technologies that can be swiftly commercialised. The space research projects are directly managed by the Space Research Unit of the European Commission executive agency HaDEA. Space research and development projects are implemented with the European Commission defining the objectives and the industry determining the approach. This model aims at giving the industry the freedom to select the optimal solution that meets their needs while also delivering commercial benefits.
Figure 2: Budget and projects overview for H2020 and HE
This approach is validated by the fact that 43% of the space research projects since 2014 successfully delivered market-ready products. In the ongoing Horizon Europe and in the previous Horizon 2020 framework programmes, projects in Critical Space Technologies have addressed diverse technology lines such as large deployable antennas, GaN devices for radio frequency and power applications, radiation-hardened FPGAs, and advanced PCB manufacturing techniques.
Horizon Europe – boosting Europe’s space ecosystem through EU Space Research
Horizon Europe, the EU’s funding programme for research and innovation, is a major lever to boost space innovation across the EU, building on the investments in space research of the previous programmes (Horizon 2020/FP7).
The European executive agency HaDEA funds and manages space R&I projects in various domains, including Critical Space Technologies, Access to Space, In-Space Operations and Services, Propulsion, Satellite Communication and Earth Observation Technologies, Quantum Key Distribution, Space Surveillance.
Various new funding opportunities, including for the domain of Critical Space Technologies, are expected to be published during 2025 through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.|
Strategy in the area of space EEE components
In response to the recent vulnerabilities in the semiconductor supply chains, the European Commission launched the EU Chips Act[1], mobilising investments in advanced technology nodes, and expanding the manufacturing capacity within the EU. The EU Space R&I Programme, in parallel, has increased the annual budget dedicated to space critical technologies and leveraging on the advancements from the EU Chips Act, has driven space-focused EEE developments towards successful results. Notable examples are highlighted in the following sections.
High performance ADCs and DACs
A prime example of this approach is the ongoing development of rad-hard Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs) and Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs), essential for broadband telecommunications. The INTERSTELLAR project, a consortium led by TELEDYNE E2V based in France, developed devices with ultra-fast sampling rates, wide analogue bandwidth and reduced power consumption. These converters are already seeing uptake in multiple space missions, including Galileo Second Generation satellites, the Copernicus Sentinel-6 mission and initiatives by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
The recently started ORION project is extending this progress towards a low power consumption X-band ADC as an intermediate step for the Ka-band frequency, aiming for applications such as active phased-array antennas and advanced digital beamforming.
Radiation hard ASICs and memories
Under the Horizon projects EFESOS and MNEMOSYNE, two consortia led by Imec and 3D-Plus have successfully designed the foundational structures for radiation-hardened (by design) ASICs and a non-volatile memory (NVM) magnetic random-access memory (MRAM) based on 3D packaging using 22nm FD-SOI technology. These efforts focused on ensuring that next-generation satellite systems can securely store and boot critical software, even under intense radiation conditions. The MRAMs developed have demonstrated excellent performance and the commercialisation has already started.
Figure 3: MNEMOSYNE non-volatile memory (NVM) magnetic random-access memory (MRAM) based on 3D packaging
Rad-hard FPGAs
The European Commission, working in coordination with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the French Space Agency (CNES), has backed several contracts to create a rad-hard European FPGA family, a vital equipment for all space applications from spacecraft housekeeping tasks to advanced communications and cutting-edge instruments. The developments are led by the company NanoXplore, that offers today several rad-hard FPGAs based on 65nm and 28nm technology. These devices are already widely used in various space missions, including the EU Galileo satellites and Copernicus Sentinels, ESA missions like Plato and Hera and international missions like SMILE and SVOM.
Looking ahead to the future generations of space systems, the European Commission is investing in ultra deep sub-micron technology. The projects DUROC and PUMA are working on rad-hard FPGAs based on the FinFET 7nm process. To ensure seamless progress, the European Commission (DG DEFIS), ESA and CNES have formed a dedicated tiger team to coordinate the development. The goal is to have a qualified N7 FPGA ready to be embarked on the future EU secure satellite communication system IRIS2.
Figure 4: NG-ULTRA Rad-Hard FPGA
GaN for RF and Power Applications
Wide bandgap semiconductors, such as gallium nitride (GaN), offer notable advantages for advanced space systems in terms of power density, thermal and radiation resilience. Recognising this, the European Commission has invested in GaN research for over a decade on projects and technologies, from 500nm (L-C Band) to sub-100nm (Q-Band), focused on space applications and lead by UMS (United Monolithic Semiconductors) and MACOM European Semiconductor Center.
Notable projects, SGAN-Next, FLEXGAN, HEATPACK and others, have demonstrated monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) and full equipment, such as solid-state power amplifiers. Also in this case, products resulting from these projects have been successfully integrated into EU space missions, including Galileo and Copernicus.
In parallel, activities have been carried out on GaN discrete processes for power applications, through the EleGaNT, SAGAN and ESGAN projects. This is leading to the establishment of an EU-based capability for manufacturing radiation-hardened GaN devices, covering a range of voltage levels: low voltage (less than 100V), 200V, and 650V. Significant results have already been achieved for the less than 100V and 650V voltage ranges, while the 200V developments based on X-Fab Europe commenced in early 2025. The next step will be the industrialization phase of these processes, which will enable the widespread adoption of GaN technology in space and other applications.
Figure 5: Range of Voltages covered by the GaN for power developments
Strengthening EU’s Infrastructure
To ensure these new components meet the rigorous space standards, the Commission has also been investing into testing facilities relevant for space. One noticeable example is the HEARTS project, where two major European particles accelerators, the international facility CERN and the German GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research are working together to create a very high-energy heavy ion (>1 GeV/n energy) irradiation facility in Europe. Benefitting of very high energy ions, the HEARTS@CERN will enable the testing of complex electronics, such as Systems-in-Package and Systems-on-Chip, without the need to physically modify the components. In addition, the HEARTS@GSI facility focuses on heavy-ion testing for shielding and radiobiology research for deep-space missions by developing a Galactic Cosmic Ray Simulator.
Figure 6: HEARTS@CERN facility
Future perspectives
The European Commission is enhancing the EU strategic autonomy in future space missions by developing cutting-edge space technologies and the necessary production and testing facilities. To further advance next-generation satellite systems and space instrumentation, the EU is rapidly expanding its advanced microelectronics portfolio. Upcoming opportunities in the area of EEE and Critical Space Technologies from the EU Space R&I Work Programme 2025 will boost this effort.
As the space sector has been evolving, the Commission’s strategic investments and project implementation have significantly advanced crucial technologies like for example GaN devices and rad-hard FPGAs. This commitment supports the European space industry in its ambition to remain competitive globally, ensuring that the EU leads in space technology as well as stimulating economic growth, scientific advancement, and societal benefits.
[1] Regulation (EU) 2023/1781 establishing a framework of measures for strengthening Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem