GlobalFoundries advances radiation-hardened chips for space applications. Published: 6.15.2026. Key takeaways. * GlobalFoundries is expanding its role in space-grade semiconductor manufacturing through radiation-hardened chip platforms designed for spacecraft, satellites, and national security systems. * BAE Systems is using GlobalFoundries' advanced FinFET semiconductor technology for its RH12(TM) Storefront, a radiation-hardened 12nm integrated circuit development platform for space applications. * GlobalFoundries is also working with Northrop Grumman Space Systems and Vorago Technologies on radiation-hardened-by-process technology, pointing to faster development of high-performance chips for harsh space environments. GlobalFoundries is expanding its presence in the space and defense semiconductor market through collaborations with BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman Space Systems aimed at developing advanced radiation-hardened chips for spacecraft and satellite applications. The initiatives underscore growing demand for semiconductors capable of operating in the extreme conditions of space, where electronics must withstand radiation exposure, temperature fluctuations and long mission durations without the possibility of repair. The U.S. chipmaker said BAE Systems plans to use its 12-nanometer FinFET manufacturing technology to support a new generation of radiation-hardened integrated circuits for space missions. The chips will be produced at GlobalFoundries' facility in Malta, New York. The effort supports BAE Systems' RH12 Storefront platform, which is designed to accelerate the development of radiation-hardened application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and system-on-chip devices for satellites, spacecraft and national security programs. The collaboration represents a shift toward using more advanced semiconductor process technologies in space applications. Historically, many space-qualified chips have relied on older manufacturing nodes because of strict reliability requirements and lengthy qualification processes. There is an increase in seeking higher-performance processors capable of supporting onboard computing, artificial intelligence, communications, imaging and autonomous operations as spacecraft become more complex and data-intensive. BAE Systems recently introduced its Ascent spacecraft platform, part of the company's Elevation family of spacecraft products. The platform is designed for missions requiring advanced maneuverability, refueling capability and operation across multiple orbital environments. BAE Systems has said the first pathfinder spacecraft for the program is expected to be delivered in 2027, a milestone that industry observers will watch as advanced radiation-hardened semiconductor technologies move toward deployment. Separately, GlobalFoundries is working with Northrop Grumman Space Systems and Vorago Technologies to develop a radiation-hardened-by-process version of its 12LP FinFET platform. The approach seeks to improve radiation tolerance through modifications to the semiconductor manufacturing process itself, allowing designers to maintain performance while increasing resilience to the space environment. Vorago Technologies is contributing its HARDSIL radiation-hardening technology, while Northrop Grumman brings expertise in space systems and national security applications. The partnerships reflect broader efforts by the U.S. aerospace and defense industry to strengthen domestic semiconductor capabilities for critical programs. In 2024, GlobalFoundries and BAE Systems announced a strategic collaboration focused on supporting semiconductor supply for defense and national security applications. The company also holds a U.S. Department of Defense contract with a spending ceiling of up to $3.1 billion over 10 years for the production of secure, domestically manufactured semiconductors. The latest initiatives highlight how space is becoming an increasingly important end market for advanced semiconductors as governments and commercial operators seek greater computing performance, reliability and security in orbit. Read industry news, product offers, and events. Join email list

Northrop Grumman's Alabama office lands $31 million defense contract for European country. The deal adds to a previous contract and brings the cumulative cost to $78 million. Jun 11, 2026 - 23:35 City & Local Guides Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. is bolstering its footprint in Huntsville after landing a major $31 million defense contract. Announced on June 10, the deal tasks the Alabama-based team with maintaining Poland's sophisticated missile defense system through 2029. Discover more Demographics Geographic Reference Supporting Poland's defense capabilities. Under the terms of the agreement, Northrop Grumman will provide critical operational support to the WISLA Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System. The scope of the work involves ensuring the system's software, hardware, communications platforms, and infrastructure remain fully operational and ready to adapt to emerging security threats. Strategic oversight from Redstone Arsenal. The contract is being managed by the Army Contracting Command out of Redstone Arsenal in Alabama. This new funding builds upon a previous agreement, pushing the cumulative contract value to $78 million. According to Defense Blog, the WISLA program serves as a cornerstone of Poland's national defense strategy, designed to intercept a wide range of threats including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and aircraft across various altitudes.

AI vaccines, billion-dollar robots, and the next Moon crew. Jun 10, 2026 Researchers at the University of Cambridge have utilized artificial intelligence to design a fundamentally new type of universal vaccine. The AI analyzed genetic data from thousands of related viruses to identify stable features that do not mutate over time. This breakthrough aims to provide broad protection against all known human coronaviruses and potential animal-to-human viral jumps. The vaccine uses DNA technology, making it more stable for storage and easier to transport than traditional mRNA shots. Initial human trials indicate the technology is safe and effectively stimulates the immune system to recognize various sarbecoviruses. This development marks a significant step toward preventing future global pandemics through variant-proof medical technology. Standard Bots has raised $200 million in a Series C funding round, achieving a valuation of $1 billion to expand its AI-native industrial robotics. The New York-based startup focuses on deploying advanced robots across manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare sectors. These AI-powered systems are designed to automate complex tasks that were previously difficult for traditional industrial robots to handle. The funding will accelerate the company's efforts to bring high-tech automation to American factory floors. By integrating sophisticated AI, Standard Bots aims to enhance productivity and operational efficiency in various industrial applications. This investment reflects growing confidence in the potential of AI-driven robotics to transform modern industrial workflows. Northrop Grumman has officially unveiled the prototype of the XRQ-73 Shepard, a stealthy hybrid-electric experimental aircraft developed under DARPA. The drone successfully completed its inaugural flight at Edwards Air Force Base, demonstrating its revolutionary propulsion system. This program is a collaboration between DARPA, the U.S. Air Force, and the Office of Naval Research to advance unmanned aerial capabilities. The XRQ-73 utilizes hybrid-electric technology to provide a balance of stealth, endurance, and operational efficiency. Its successful flight marks a critical milestone in the development of next-generation autonomous systems for defense applications. This technology paves the way for quieter and more persistent unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The Katla 7 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft has impressed observers with its high-speed performance and aerodynamic design. Featuring a 7-meter wingspan, the aircraft is capable of reaching speeds up to 450 km/h while maintaining significant efficiency. This combination of speed and range signifies a major advancement in the feasibility of electric regional air mobility. The design focuses on a perfect balance between lift capability and reduced drag for sustained high-speed flight. As the eVTOL sector moves closer to certification, the Katla 7 serves as a benchmark for next-generation passenger transport. Its development highlights the rapid progress being made in electric aviation technology for urban and regional use. Engineers at MIT have developed a new spacecraft propulsion system that allows small satellites to use a single fuel for both chemical and electric thrusters. This dual-mode approach combines the quick bursts of speed from chemical rockets with the long-range efficiency of electric propulsion. The system uses a non-toxic green monopropellant known as ASCENT, which simplifies spacecraft design by requiring only one fuel tank. This innovation could enable briefcase-sized CubeSats to perform complex missions, such as traveling to Mars or the asteroid belt. A NASA-supported mission is scheduled to test this technology in orbit later this year. The advancement significantly expands the scientific and observational capabilities of low-cost small satellites. NASA has officially named the four astronauts who will fly the Artemis III mission, a critical test flight scheduled for 2027. The crew includes Commander Randy Bresnik, Pilot Luca Parmitano, and Mission Specialists Andre Douglas and Frank Rubio. This mission will involve complex rendezvous and docking operations in Earth orbit with commercial human landing systems from SpaceX and Blue Origin. Artemis III serves as a vital precursor to the first planned crewed landing at the lunar South Pole during Artemis IV. It also marks the first time a European Space Agency astronaut has been assigned to an Artemis mission. These tests will validate the integrated hardware and software systems necessary for deep space exploration and humanity's return to the Moon. A note to integem community. 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