SPHERICAL Systems – Strategic-Technological Analysis
Introduction: In an era where Europe is striving for technological sovereignty, a small Dutch company is making outsized waves in the aerospace and defense sector. SPHERICAL Systems, founded by two aerospace engineers in 2022, has rapidly emerged as a pioneer in custom semiconductor and electronics design for space applications. From its base in the Netherlands, SPHERICAL is tackling one of the continent’s critical vulnerabilities: dependence on foreign microelectronics for satellites and defense systems. By vertically integrating chip design and satellite subsystems, this deep-tech startup offers European customers unprecedented control “from silicon to software”. Its flagship innovation – a software-defined power subsystem for spacecraft – promises to boost performance, reliability, and security for next-generation satellites. More importantly, SPHERICAL’s technology is built and tested in Europe, free of ITAR and other external restrictions, positioning the company as a strategic asset in Europe’s quest for autonomy. The following analysis will delve into how SPHERICAL aligns with EU strategic autonomy goals, enhances NATO capabilities, and reduces reliance on non-allied suppliers, all through the lens of its cutting-edge semiconductor-driven solutions.