by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jul 03, 2024
Cosmic Shielding Corporation (CSC), providers of the worlds leading space radiation shielding technologies, will be utilized to develop an AI-capable space computer that uses the Nvidia Jetson Orin NX GPU. This will mark the first time a GPU from the latest Nvidia Orin ecosystem has been sent to space and will be part of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.
A successful orbital demonstration of AI-capable Nvidia hardware in orbit will not only be a validation of CSCs shielding capabilities but also a launching pad for a host of new innovative technologies with far-reaching implications for both space and terrestrial uses.
As Star Trek has told us, Space is the final frontier. For decades that frontier has been limited by the power of harmful cosmic and solar radiation. Traditional radiation protection methods are inadequate for the complexities of leading computer hardware. The primary objective of this mission is to conduct a successful flight demonstration of AI-capable Nvidia hardware in orbit. Thanks to the innovative shielding provided by CSC, this satellite is poised to be the first to perform simultaneous inference and training in orbit using Nvidia technology. The success of this mission is expected to dramatically enhance compute power for the space industry, enabling real-time image processing and autonomy for on-orbit servicing and manufacturing.
Cosmic Shielding Corporation's Role
CSC has meticulously designed and provided the critical shielding necessary for the mission. Utilizing data from particle accelerator facility tests as well as two previous in-space missions, CSC ensured that the shielding meets stringent mission requirements, protecting the sophisticated Nvidia hardware from harmful space radiation. This protection is essential for the reliable operation of AI systems in the harsh conditions of space.
Partnership and Collaboration
CSC's involvement in this mission began in March of this year, showcasing a remarkably short turnaround time from concept to design to launch. CSC has been working on this project with Aethero, a designer and manufacturer of space-rated computers, and the synergy between Aethero's NxN edge computing module and CSC's mission-critical shielding epitomizes the innovative spirit driving the mission's success.
"Cosmic Shielding is the only company we've seen to offer shielding that makes it possible for advanced state-of-the-art processors to operate in deep space for long-term missions," said Edward Ge, CEO and co-founder of Aethero. "Enabling spacecraft to perform computationally heavy tasks will be a major bottleneck if we ever want to be a multi-planetary species, and Yanni and his team play a critical role in making that happen."
Significance and Impact
Projecting forward, a successful completion of this mission is the first step towards developing computing networks and autonomy in space. This could allow for space-based AI more familiar to science fiction - think the computer aboard the Star Trek Enterprise. This mission is groundbreaking for several reasons:
Technological Advancements: Introducing one of the fastest computers to operate in space (and the first to use a 1024-core GPU), this mission sets a new standard for space-based AI systems.
Industry Implications: The successful demonstration of this technology will enable the development of data centers in space, advanced docking, and maneuvering capabilities through machine vision, as well as significant cost savings for satellite operators. By processing images in orbit, satellites can avoid sending vast amounts of raw data to Earth, improving efficiency and reducing operational costs. This technology will also provide the US with significant improvements to in-space defense capabilities through better situational awareness and even enabling satellites that can autonomously intercept other satellites with advanced machine-vision and maneuvering capabilities.
Market Growth: The mission's success is projected to drive the growth of the commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) space market to $4.12 billion by 2030, up from approximately $1.9 billion today.
Spaces potential as the next great center of innovation has always been limited due to the harsh environment and the toll it takes on equipment, said Yanni Barghouty, CEO and Co-Founder of Cosmic Shielding. Our industry-leading shielding solutions will allow companies such as Aethero and Nvidia to spearhead new technology that will have a massive effect in orbit and here on Earth.
Looking Ahead
The successful completion of this mission will benefit satellite operators and manufacturers and provide broader and more affordable access to space-derived data for companies on Earth. Advances in shielding technology and AI computing in space stand to transform the space industry, ushering in a new era of innovation and exploration.
Related Links
Cosmic Shielding Corporation
Space Technology News - Applications and Research