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STMicroelectronics Marks 10-Year SpaceX Partnership, Says It Shipped Over 5 Billion Starlink RF Chips

The disclosure points to laser-link supply plans alongside broader European collaborations.

Overview

  • STMicroelectronics told Reuters it has delivered more than 5 billion RF front-end modules for Starlink since around 2015, with shipments over the next two years potentially doubling that total.
  • The companies highlighted a co-design program for BiCMOS-based antenna chips and a panel-level packaging process that ST scaled to a delivery run rate exceeding 5 million chips per day.
  • Starlink’s footprint now includes over 10,000 satellites in orbit, service to more than 150 markets, roughly 8 million users, and production of over 20,000 user terminals per day.
  • Beyond the RF front end, Starlink deploys ST components such as STM32 microcontrollers, secure elements, and GNSS across user terminals, ground infrastructure, and satellites.
  • STMicroelectronics says it will supply inter-satellite laser links for SpaceX platforms and is engaging with European players including Thales and Eutelsat on projects such as the EU’s planned Iris 2 constellation.