Radiation-Tolerant Microcontrollers for Expanding LEO Satellite Network

On this episode of the Aerospace & Defense Technology podcast, we discuss a new line of low-cost radiation-tolerant microcontrollers developed by Vorago Technologies. (Image: Vorago Technologies)

June 1, 2026

Vorago Technologies recently announced a “world first” with the launch of four radiation-tolerant microcontrollers purpose-built for low-Earth orbit (LEO) applications at a fraction of the cost of traditional space-grade components.

The new Radiation-Tolerant by Design (RTbD) microcontrollers use Arm® Cortex® M4-based cores and join Vorago’s growing family of low cost microcontrollers. The devices integrate advanced radiation protection directly into the silicon to improve the reliability and efficiency of satellite constellations and other space systems.

“Space systems can’t afford downtime, and they can’t afford to fail in orbit. Debris now rivals active satellites for space in many low-earth areas,” said Bernd Lienhard, CEO of Vorago Technologies. “As more companies move into space, the expanded VA4 family delivers the reliability needed to operate satellites in orbit and complete their missions securely, without requiring backup systems to get there. It’s a smarter, more sustainable way to scale satellite constellations without contributing to space junk.”

On this episode of the Aerospace & Defense Technology podcast, we speak with the CEO of Vorago Technologies about how radiation-tolerant and radiation-hardened semiconductor technologies are enabling the next generation of satellite constellations, autonomous defense systems, and resilient space infrastructure. The conversation explores how growing demand for AI-enabled edge computing, secure communications, and scalable space architectures is reshaping semiconductor requirements for aerospace and defense applications.

Subscribe to the Aerospace & Defense Technology podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify .

Sponsored by:

Omnetics and New England Wire