The EU continuously promotes its engagement in the growth potential of its space capabilities through targeted investments in critical technologies and advanced electronic components. This is all done with the aim of making Europe more autonomous, competitive, and prominent in the global space sector, within the framework of the Horizon Europe Programme 2021-2027. 

The recently published SpaceNews article clearly illustrates how this commitment is progressing. Particularly, it highlights how the European Commission's Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS) is focusing on a threefold approach in projects dedicated to the advancement of next-generation critical electronic components for space environments. These can be briefly explained as: 

This approach differs from others as its primary objective is to offer optimal solutions focused first and foremost on the needs of EU space missions. Consequently, it aims to create strong collaboration with the tech industry to develop products ready for the market and for use in space. This approach has proven effective, yielding positive results with 43% of space research projects successfully providing market-ready products. 

Among these projects, a wide range of industrial partners and researchers across Europe are promoting and working on them. Many projects have been implemented following this direction, addressing different aspects of space EEE components, ranging from high-performance Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs) and Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs), part of the INTERSTELLAR project; to semiconductors such as gallium nitride (GaN) for advanced space systems with radiation and thermal resilience, notably involving projects like SGAN-Next, FLEXGAN, and HEATPACK; and also to radiation-hard ASICs and memories, focusing on ensuring that next-generation satellite systems can smoothly store and boot critical software even under intense radiation conditions, as seen in projects like EFESOS and MNEMOSYNE. 

Building upon this broader effort to advance space technologies, the RepowerSic projects represent a concrete example of the application of innovative EEE components capable of operating in extreme spatial environments. Indeed, both Silicon Carbide (SiC) and GaN, as mentioned before, are known for their energy efficiency and reliability to operate at high temperatures and in extreme conditions, fundamental characteristics for space missions. Moreover, RepowerSic contributes to European technological resilience by developing its own innovative solutions, reducing dependence on traditional energy sources. As many times explained, strengthening European autonomy is vital for the EU, especially in critical sectors such as space electronics, and RepowerSic directly contributes to and exemplifies this crucial vision. 

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