Space-ng launches Sol3 computer vision kit for spacecraft developers

Written by Copernical Team Wednesday, 13 August 2025 07:49

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Los Angeles CA (SPX) Aug 13, 2025

Space-ng has introduced a rugged, low-cost Hardware Development Kit (HDK) for its space-qualified Sol3 Vision System, alongside a free Software Development Kit (SDK) for evaluation, academic research, and non-commercial use. This open architecture approach aims to make advanced computer vision tools accessible to universities, startups, and aerospace firms. The Sol3 ecosystem, comprising b

Space-ng launches Sol3 computer vision kit for spacecraft developers
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Aug 13, 2025

Space-ng has introduced a rugged, low-cost Hardware Development Kit (HDK) for its space-qualified Sol3 Vision System, alongside a free Software Development Kit (SDK) for evaluation, academic research, and non-commercial use. This open architecture approach aims to make advanced computer vision tools accessible to universities, startups, and aerospace firms.

The Sol3 ecosystem, comprising both hardware and software, will be showcased at the 39th Annual Small Satellite Conference in Salt Lake City, Aug. 10-13, 2025, at Booth #2437. Space-ng Co-Founder and Chief Engineer Steve Bailey will be present at the event.

The company's Vision Navigation System (VNS) software, used for terrain-relative navigation, hazard detection, and attitude determination, was deployed in Firefly Aerospace's successful Blue Ghost Mission 1. The Sol3 Vision System has completed spaceflight qualification testing, with first flight articles scheduled for delivery in Q3 2025.

Sol3 integrates a powerful, low-SWAP Base Unit capable of controlling up to 12 high-resolution Camera Modules. Designed as a software-defined, user-programmable system, it supports hardware-accelerated image processing and compute workloads for applications such as optical navigation, lunar landing, autonomous rendezvous, servicing, and space situational awareness.

The Sol3 HDK enables rapid prototyping and testing in lab or field environments. Functionally identical to flight hardware but built with commercial components, it is priced at $5,000 for the Base Unit and $1,000 per Camera Module, with power supply and harnesses included.

By pairing HDK with the SDK, engineers can quickly integrate autonomy prototypes into flight-like environments, run full workflows from a laptop, and validate mission operations and requirements earlier in the development process. The compute and sensor stack matches that of the EDU and flight units, easing transition through design and review milestones.

According to Bailey, the main difference between HDK and flight units is the use of commercial connectors and non-space-grade parts. This allows teams to start development immediately and progress confidently to system integration.

CEO and Co-Founder Ethan Rublee noted that the SDK includes the same software Space-ng uses internally for lunar navigation and landing, offering partners access to GPU, neural accelerators, high-resolution imagery, integrated IMUs, and modern development environments such as C++20, Linux, containers, and open-source tools like GTSAM, OpenCV, and PyTorch.

Orders for the Sol3 HDK are open, with shipments expected in September 2025. The Base Unit hosts a Qualcomm-based SOC, four IMUs, closed-loop heater control, RS-422 I/O, floodlight support, and connects to up to 12 Camera Modules weighing as little as 150 grams each.

As a software-defined, open-architecture system, Sol3 supports spacecraft operations from design and testing through mission execution, with capabilities for real-time simulation, command and telemetry, OTA updates, and ground support. Firefly Aerospace's Chief Engineer Will Coogan credited Space-ng's software with enabling precision lunar landings that avoid hazards like rocks and craters.