SPHERICAL and Balthazar are thrilled to announce the official launch of SpaceSilicon-AI, a collaboration designed to revolutionize semiconductor testing in the space industry. Supported by RVO’s MIT R&D collaboration grant, SpaceSilicon-AI is addressing urgent challenges in satellite reliability and space debris reduction, integrating AI-driven testing solutions that are set to reshape industry standards.

As the Netherlands’ space sector aims to triple its economic impact to €2.5 billion by 2035, the demand for reliable satellite components is intensifying, with thousands of satellites expected to launch in the coming years. Today, the lack of cost-effective, space-qualified microchips is a primary cause of mission failures, resulting in billions in losses and adding to the growing problem of space debris. SpaceSilicon-AI responds to this challenge with a forward-thinking solution that radically reduces semiconductor testing costs by 80%, making advanced testing and assurance accessible to a broader array of space missions.

Through this partnership, SPHERICAL’s expertise in semiconductor design combines with Balthazar’s strengths in AI and cloud-based testing to revolutionize hardware validation. The collaboration focuses on developing a modular, fully automated test platform that enables adaptable, high-fidelity testing at significantly lower costs. By integrating with a cloud-connected data pipeline and leveraging ML algorithms, the platform ensures efficient data management, seamless collaboration, and the ability to classify and predict component reliability, empowering SPHERICAL to prioritize reliability without the need for costly, exhaustive test campaigns.

“This collaboration sets a bold path forward, enhancing reliability and accessibility in satellite technology,” says Thomas Parry, CEO of SPHERICAL. “Our focus is to ensure that even the most ambitious space missions can rely on the quality of their components while operating sustainably in orbit.”

SpaceSilicon-AI also embodies Balthazar’s vision of leveraging AI to transform the R&D process for next-generation technologies. By using a cloud-based digital infrastructure to provide real-time, data-driven insights, Balthazar is helping create a seamless, adaptable testing environment that encourages innovation and reduces barriers for high-tech advancements.

“SpaceSilicon-AI is creating the infrastructure needed to redefine testing as a strategic asset in the space industry,” adds Dejan Davidovikj, CEO of Balthazar. “We’re integrating AI to bring intelligent, autonomous testing within reach for mission-critical applications, helping to shape the future of hardware development.”

As SpaceSilicon-AI progresses, the collaboration aims to bolster the Dutch space industry, create new opportunities in AI development, and position the Netherlands as a leader in next-generation space microelectronics.

About SPHERICAL
SPHERICAL is an industry leader in the design of dedicated semiconductors and uses them to build electronic subsystems for aerospace, starting with satellites. By designing semiconductors faster and more efficiently, we make satellite subsystems that solve the customer pain by being able to source subsystems that are deeply software configurable while at the same time being highly-reliable for space. We enable satellite integrators to move faster in their design and assembly while removing project risk. 

About Balthazar
Balthazar is a digital R&D hub that empowers multidisciplinary teams to build groundbreaking technologies. It automates experiment tracking for hardware R&D labs, addressing the challenge of managing the ever-increasing volume of experimental data. By breaking down silos between design, testing and data analysis, it enables reusable workflows and lays the foundation for AI-driven innovation, delivering a 10x speed-up of the R&D process at a fraction of the cost of in-house solutions.