How New Space is redefining semiconductor innovation

"New Space" has moved beyond the era of experimental rockets and space exploration to a commercialized ecosystem of high-utility satellite constellations. These massive networks are becoming the backbone of global connectivity, real-time Earth observation, and national security. By shifting from single, "gold-plated" satellites to distributed swarms, the industry has fundamentally rewritten the economics of space, demanding rapid revisit rates, a high pace of innovation, and continuous, real-time data processing.

In this new paradigm, semiconductors are no longer just components - they are critical enablers of performance, autonomy, and scalability across the entire system. In this fireside chat, Benoît Deper (CEO & Founder, Aerospacelab) and Nik Van den Wijngaert (VP Aerospace & Security at imec) explore how constellation-driven missions are reshaping requirements for semiconductor design, production efficiency, and supply chain resilience. 

The conversation will highlight the critical role of trusted partnerships and ecosystems in delivering dual-use space capabilities, serving civil, security, and defense needs alike, while meeting demands for reliability, security, and scalability. Looking ahead, the discussion will examine how AI-enabled, secure space connectivity is accelerating the transition from space as a data-collection platform to space as a source of actionable intelligence.