Power the space: high-voltage radiation hardened power switches for space power and propulsion

The U.S. Space Force is driving a fundamental shift in space operations from static, passive platforms to dynamic, maneuverable systems capable of operating in a contested environment, requiring a transformative upgrade in space power architectures. To enable this evolution, high-voltage power systems ranging from 200V to 800V are essential to support next-generation electric propulsion, space edge computing, and space-based solar power initiatives that aim to deliver energy to terrestrial sites under threat. These advancements demand compact, lightweight, and highly efficient power systems due to the strict size, weight, and power constraints imposed by launch costs, with rad-hard power switches serving as critical components that must reliably operate under extreme radiation conditions. Current silicon-based radiation-hardened switches are limited to a maximal voltage of 350V due to vulnerability to single event burnouts triggered by heavy-ion radiation, necessitating new device designs that reduce internal electric fields without significantly increasing on-resistance, as any substantial rise in resistance degrades efficiency and undermines mission performance. Innovations in high-voltage radiation-hardened power switch technology are therefore a national priority, with the goal of enabling continuous, autonomous space maneuvering and survivability under adversarial conditions. The solicitation seeks advanced semiconductor solutions that push beyond current derating limitations by integrating material or structural innovations capable of withstanding the intense electrical transients in space while maintaining low conduction losses. This effort aligns with broader strategic objectives to ensure resilient and responsive space capabilities through distributed, self-sustaining platforms powered by next-generation electronics. The initiative is structured as a small business set-aside under the SBIR/STTR program, targeting innovative U.S.-based entities with fewer than 500 employees to accelerate the development and demonstration of these mission-critical power components for future space systems.