Rad-Hard-by-Design: GaN Semis for Next-Gen Space and Defense Systems (Download)
Spacecraft must have radiation-hardened (rad-hard) electronics on board simply because radiation can cause electronic equipment to malfunction. Thus, power-management devices are critical for powering all of the electronics on board satellites and spacecraft, especially when astronauts are present within the spacecraft.
For instance, deep-space missions will likely encounter neutrons from background radiation or radioisotope thermal generators (RTGs), as well as other harmful nuclear sources. And terrestrial and atmospheric environments may be exposed to galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) along with secondary emissions.