South Korean Research Team Validates Synaptic Transistor Suitability for Next-Generation Space AI Chips

South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT announced on Thursday that a Korean research team has confirmed the potential application of synaptic transistors (a key component of next-generation AI chips) in high-radiation space environments.

The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, in collaboration with Chungbuk National University and Belgium’s IMEC, achieved a breakthrough in the development of synaptic transistors.

Researchers fabricated the synaptic transistors using indium gallium zinc oxide and tested them with a proton accelerator. The results showed that the devices could withstand radiation equivalent to 20 years in space.

Although the performance declined somewhat after testing, the core functions remained stable.

The Ministry stated that the findings validate the possibility of applying this technology to space-grade AI semiconductors, marking an important step forward in developing chips capable of operating in extreme environments. The ministry also added that this is the first global validation of such technology.

“This achievement demonstrates the potential for AI systems to operate reliably in extreme environments like space,” the ministry said in a statement. “We will continue to develop core AI chip technologies for aerospace and aviation industries.”