Rockets are fine, but Power is always a must

We recently heard about the IPO of SpaceX on the stock market. Everybody heard of it, even people who are not even interested in the stock market. And why? Because it was the biggest launch (sic!) ever with the highest market capitalization in history. Yes, SpaceX does rocket science, but the physics apply everywhere, and even spacecrafts use “normal” products, however in high-rel quality.

Consumer products and products used in space share several similarities, because in both applications the products need to be small and lightweight. Like all systems, the systems heading into and operating in space need control, and the control devices need to be powered. So far, so good.

Without adequate high-rel power systems no rocket will take off and no satellite or interstellar spacecraft will operate. However, while the public interest often admires the rocket manufacturers, only very minor interest is dedicated to the power (supply) electronics even though this is an absolute prerequisite for the rest of the system. The providers of power systems for extraterrestrial use remind me of the hardware suppliers during the California gold rush, who sold shovels, spades, tarps, nails, clothes etc. to the gold prospectors. While the vast majority of these gold adventurers lost (almost) everything, a few of them did make a fortune. However, the hardware suppliers consistently increased their business with solid earnings because everybody needed their supplies. Considering the elementary importance of power circuits, I ask myself why there is no power hype on the market?

In terms of technology, semiconductors used in space applications need to be very tolerant towards radiation. That’s why silicon-based devices need to be “radiation-hardened”. However, as we know, the intrinsic material properties of GaN assure that Gallium-Nitride semiconductors are very tolerant towards radiation, making GaN-based devices a very interesting option for space applications.

If you are interested in GaN and SiC solutions, please mark December 1 & 2, 2026 in your calendar because our next wide bandgap event will take place on these days, in Munich. You will find more details at www.bodoswbg.com towards the end of the summer.

For more than 20 years Bodo’s magazine has been delivered by post to all places in the world. It is the only magazine that spreads technical information on power electronics globally. We have EETech as a partner serving our clients in North America. And don’t miss our Chinese version at bodospowerchina.com. An archive of every issue of the magazine is available for free at our website bodospower.com.

My green tip of the month: When you plan your stock market investment, think of power companies as well. Perhaps companies who are active in the green sector can be attractive investments – especially when it comes to renewable energy supplies as their “fuel” is supplied free of charge by mother nature.

Kind Regards,
Alfred