Micron Launches Industry-Leading Radiation-Tolerant NAND Flash Memory for Aerospace Applications

Micron Technology has launched the industry's highest-density radiation-tolerant NAND flash memory, a 256 Gb SLC NAND, optimized for space applications. The product undergoes rigorous testing aligned with NASA standards and represents the first high-density radiation-tolerant memory introduced by a major manufacturer. As the sole U.S.-based memory manufacturer, Micron's domestic manufacturing advantage provides end-to-end supply chain control, which is critical for aerospace and government applications concerned with security and traceability.

Micron Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: MU) has announced the launch of its industry-leading 256 Gb Single-Level Cell (SLC) NAND flash memory, optimized for space applications. This product is the first high-density radiation-tolerant memory introduced by a major manufacturer, setting a new benchmark in the space technology sector.

The new SLC NAND flash is designed to withstand the harsh environment of space, including radiation, extreme temperatures, shock, and vacuum conditions. It is aligned with NASA's PEM-INST-001 Level 2 testing standards, ensuring it can operate reliably in orbit [1]. Additionally, the product has been tested to meet US military standards for radiation tolerance, further validating its suitability for space missions [2].

Micron's corporate vice president and general manager of the automotive and embedded business unit, Kris Baxter, emphasized the significance of this innovation. "Micron’s radiation-tolerant memory is essential for storing and processing data as we push the boundaries of computing in space," he said.

This SLC NAND flash is not just a new product; it marks the beginning of Micron's space-qualified portfolio, which will eventually include NOR and DRAM solutions. The company's commitment to supporting the aerospace sector is evident in its plans to strengthen its US-based manufacturing and develop customer engineering labs.

The product is already in use on NASA's Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT) mission, demonstrating its reliability in space. Vincent Pribble, principal product manager at Mercury Systems, highlighted Micron's flash memory's role in enabling groundbreaking missions and scientific research.

Micron's focus on delivering high-performance technology for space applications is driven by the growing demand for AI-enabled edge computing in space. This technology allows spacecraft to analyze sensor data, detect anomalies, and make decisions autonomously, reducing the need for Earth-based systems and preserving bandwidth.

As the only U.S.-based memory manufacturer, Micron's domestic manufacturing advantage provides end-to-end supply chain control, which is critical for aerospace and government applications concerned with security and traceability. The company's plans to expand its aerospace industry support include modernizing its Manassas, Virginia, facility and developing specialized regional customer labs.

Micron Technology's commitment to innovation and quality in the space sector positions it as a leader in the high-density memory market. The company's strategy of expanding its aerospace portfolio with additional space-qualified memory and storage solutions will address the evolving demands of next-generation space missions.

References:
[1] https://analyticsindiamag.com/ai-news-updates/spacecrafts-can-think-for-themselves-thanks-to-microns-new-nand-memory/
[2] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/micron-launches-space-qualified-portfolio-130000450.html