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STMicroelectronics (STM) has shipped over 5 billion radio-frequency (RF) antenna chips to SpaceX for the Starlink satellite network over the past decade, and the volume is projected to double by 2027. This significant partnership has been a driver for STMicro's specialized chip business, with news of the potential doubling of shipments causing an increase in STM shares on December 15, 2025. STMicroelectronics NV (STM)
Chip Type: STMicro supplies BiCMOS-based radio-frequency "front-end modules" or antenna elements for Starlink user terminals.
Scale: The current production rate is facilitated by a new manufacturing process involving panel-level packaging (PLP) technology, which enables a delivery run rate of over 5 million chips per day.
Future Growth: The projected doubling of shipments by 2027 is linked to Starlink's expansion, including next-generation V3 satellites and the launch of upcoming inter-satellite laser links, for which STMicro will also be a supplier.
Market Impact: This collaboration highlights a broader shift from government-led space projects to a rapidly growing commercial market, creating high demand for specialized chips capable of handling high data rates in demanding conditions.
Starlink Reach: Starlink currently operates in over 150 markets and serves approximately 8 million users.
STMicroelectronics has shipped more than 5 billion radio-frequency antenna chips to Elon Musk's SpaceX for the Starlink satellite network, and chips delivered under the partnership in the next two years could double that number, a senior executive at the chipmaker told Reuters.
Elon Musk's future is semiconductor dependent. I'm hearing more talk on a relationship between Musk's xAI and Intel Foundry. If so Musk will bring back multi-foundry use via STM, TSMC, Samsung Foundry, and Intel Foundry. Just like back in the CMOS days, absolutely.
STMicroelectronics (STM) has shipped over 5 billion radio-frequency (RF) antenna chips to SpaceX for the Starlink satellite network over the past decade, and the volume is projected to double by 2027. This significant partnership has been a driver for STMicro's specialized chip business, with news of the potential doubling of shipments causing an increase in STM shares on December 15, 2025. STMicroelectronics NV (STM)
Chip Type: STMicro supplies BiCMOS-based radio-frequency "front-end modules" or antenna elements for Starlink user terminals.
Scale: The current production rate is facilitated by a new manufacturing process involving panel-level packaging (PLP) technology, which enables a delivery run rate of over 5 million chips per day.
Future Growth: The projected doubling of shipments by 2027 is linked to Starlink's expansion, including next-generation V3 satellites and the launch of upcoming inter-satellite laser links, for which STMicro will also be a supplier.
Market Impact: This collaboration highlights a broader shift from government-led space projects to a rapidly growing commercial market, creating high demand for specialized chips capable of handling high data rates in demanding conditions.
Starlink Reach: Starlink currently operates in over 150 markets and serves approximately 8 million users.
STMicroelectronics has shipped more than 5 billion radio-frequency antenna chips to Elon Musk's SpaceX for the Starlink satellite network, and chips delivered under the partnership in the next two years could double that number, a senior executive at the chipmaker told Reuters.
www.reuters.com
