BAE Systems has successfully tested its Endura system-on-chip (SoC) processor in some of the harshest radiation conditions found in space.
The achievement confirms that the processor can continue operating in environments where conventional electronics often fail. The result strengthens its role in supporting future military, government, and commercial space missions.
BAE Endura Defies Radiation
The Endura SoC completed testing in both natural space radiation and more severe strategic radiation environments. These tests confirmed that the processor remains reliable even under high levels of radiation. This makes it suitable for spacecraft that must operate for long periods without failure.
BAE Systems developed the processor using its commercial radiation-hardened 45-nanometer RH45 technology. The technology is built on GlobalFoundries’ 45nm silicon-on-insulator manufacturing platform. Production takes place at GlobalFoundries’ secure semiconductor facility in New York.
Joe Dziezynski, Space Systems Product Line Director at BAE Systems, said the successful testing places Endura among the company’s leading high-performance processors for space applications.
He added that the processor delivers a smaller, lower-power, and more cost-effective solution while maintaining reliability in harsh radiation environments. That combination is important for missions where size, power consumption, and durability all matter.
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Advanced Design Supports Future Space Systems
Radiation in space can damage electronic components and interrupt spacecraft operations. Radiation-hardened chips are specially designed to keep working despite continuous exposure to these conditions. The RH45 technology also supports other space electronics, including single-board computers used in satellites and spacecraft.
The Endura processor will power BAE Systems’ next-generation family of space computing products. It combines general-purpose processing, networking, secure boot, and advanced programmable FPGA technology into a single platform. This design allows customers to customize hardware for different missions while improving speed, power efficiency, and overall performance.
Integrated Level 1 and Level 2 cache memory help the processor handle demanding workloads more efficiently. Hardware-accelerated input and output also improve data processing for complex space operations. Together, these features reduce system size while increasing computing capability.
GlobalFoundries said its Malta, New York, facility provides secure domestic semiconductor manufacturing for critical aerospace and defense programs.
The company stated that its partnership with BAE Systems supports the development of trusted, scalable microelectronics for future national security needs. Secure manufacturing also reduces supply chain risks for sensitive space technologies.
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BAE Systems is already accepting orders for Software Development Units built around the Endura processor. Development and production are handled by the company’s Space Systems group in Manassas, Virginia. The facility is certified as a US Department of Defense Category 1A Microelectronics Trusted Source for design, packaging, assembly, and testing.
The company plans to use the Endura platform across both high-reliability Class A missions and lower-cost Class C and Class D missions. This wider range allows more government and commercial customers to access advanced space processing technology.
However, the Endura processor is expected to play an important role in future satellite and deep-space missions.
