Defense-power-semiconductor specialist Sigetronics announced on the 20th that it has successfully localized space-grade Schottky Barrier Diodes (SBDs) in collaboration with the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI).

The device will be mounted on Space Verification Satellite No. 1, which will fly aboard Nuri (KSLV-II) Flight No. 4, scheduled for launch in November, where it will undergo performance verification in actual space conditions.

This achievement is part of KARI’s program, “Space Development Infrastructure Establishment and Technology Diffusion Project,” under which eight types of domestic space-grade electronic components were developed. Sigetronics led the diode development category and secured this result. It is considered a significant technological milestone, as a domestically developed power semiconductor is being applied to a space mission based on Korea’s launch vehicle.

The space-grade SBD developed by Sigetronics features 40V / 150V rated voltages, maximum forward currents of 5A and 15A, low forward voltage drop, and minimal power loss—making it suitable for a range of space power-conversion systems such as high-efficiency SMPS, high-frequency switching circuits, and DC-DC converters.

During the development process, the company obtained the KS Q 9100 aerospace quality-management certification, officially verifying its production capabilities for high-reliability space-grade electronic components. The technology was developed based on Sigetronics’ accumulated defense power-semiconductor know-how from mass-producing high-power switching devices (MCTs) for missile fuzes.

Through this achievement, the company expects to:

Expand its business from defense into the space sector,

Contribute to establishing a domestic supply chain for key power-semiconductor products subject to strict export controls, and

Add strategic value by reducing supply-chain risks in the space and defense industries.

This localization success increases the potential for domestic power semiconductors to be applied throughout Korean space platforms and is expected to lead to additional demand in future high-reliability industries and the global defense market.

KARI showcased eight types of domestically developed space components—including Sigetronics’ SBD—at the Korea Pavilion of the 2025 IAC (International Astronautical Congress) in Australia, supporting their global technology promotion. Leveraging this momentum, Sigetronics is advancing strategies for entering the global space power-electronics market, including expanding cooperation in the space/defense sectors, upgrading mass-production systems for space-grade semiconductors, obtaining international space-component certifications, and building global partnerships.

A Sigetronics official stated, “The localization of space- and defense-grade power semiconductors is a major achievement for securing national strategic technology independence. Based on the Nuri Flight No. 4 verification, we will further strengthen our competitiveness in the global space electronic-components market.”

Sigetronics aims to become a core company within Korea’s space and defense power-semiconductor supply chain and ultimately grow into a global provider of space power-conversion solutions.

EDaily, November 20, 2025