Objectives of the Product

Its development will be focused on a high-performance computer with an integrated AI accelerator, called NANOhpc, addressing the increasing market need in the domain of AI on edge. NANOhpc will enable customers to achieve greater availability for on-board real-time processing of data and transforming it into information, all in an efficient and important, radiation-reliable manner.

For this reason, we propose a high-performance computer with an integrated AI accelerator. The computer will be designed to accommodate a variety of future expansion cards to fit various use case demands. Finally, it will be designed in a highly scalable manner to increase computational capacities as required for each use case. Additionally, it will provide a solution where satellites as-a-service need to be isolated between computational nodes (containers) for security reasons.

The objective of this activity is the development and qualification of the NANOhpc hardware and software framework for a range of mission types. To support this, NANOhpc covers the full range of mission types, from CubeSat lifetimes and integration constraints to larger LEO satellites for 8+ year missions. Processing capacities, and consequently mass, power, and volume requirements, can be tailored by NANOhpc clustering to the mission class and the responsiveness needs of the mission.

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Customers and their Needs

NANOhpc, a high-performance computer with built-in AI acceleration, is addressing the space industry’s growing demand for advanced processing power. Several organizations are exploring its potential. Some aim to leverage NANOhpc for on-board Earth Observation, enabling real-time data analysis directly on satellites. Others see advantages in using NANOhpc for in-orbit AI-powered data processing, reducing reliance on ground stations. Additionally, companies are considering validating their on-board processing software with NANOhpc to ensure compatibility and unlock its processing power. Finally, NANOhpc’s design makes it a strong foundation for future high-performance computing with AI on satellites, paving the way for innovative space missions.

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Targeted customer/users countries

Italy, Spain, France, Slovenia.

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Product description

NANOhpc is a high-performance computer in development for space missions. It offers scalable processing power for nano-satellites to large-satellites. A single unit delivers exceptional performance at low-power consumption and features standard space interfaces. NANOhpc+VB integrates an AI accelerator for complex processing tasks. Notably, the design prioritises radiation tolerance with built-in safeguards and meticulous component selection. Low-power consumption simplifies thermal management and allows for efficient clustering. Overall, NANOhpc’s innovative features make it a compelling solution for the space industry.HPC Architecture.

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Added Value

NANOhpc offers a modular and adaptable solution of on-board data processing engines in satellites. Here’s why it brings added value:

• NANOhpc system will provide various AI processing engines to provide the best fit for application needs.
• NANOhpc system is providing powerful data processing capacity that turns data into information in space, drastically reducing downlink requirements and shortening information delivery to the end user
• NANOhpc Scalability: The base version with 4 RISC-V CPUs tackles general processing needs. For demanding missions, the VectorBlox accelerator in NANOhpc+VB tackles complex AI tasks. NANOhpc-FPGA further extends capabilities with custom functions.
• NANOhpc Radiation Tolerance: The entire system prioritises radiation tolerance, ensuring reliable operation in space.
• NANOhpc Flexibility: This modular approach allows you to choose the processing power and functionalities that best suit your specific mission needs, avoiding overpaying for unnecessary features.

In short, NANOhpc provides a scalable, adaptable, and radiation-tolerant solution for on-board processing in satellites, offering significant value through its tailored approach

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Current Status

The NANOhpc project is nearing the end of its definition phase, during which we planned hardware and firmware development activities. In the upcoming PDR meeting, we will finalise requirements and officially transition into the development phase. Over the next few months, we will focus on hardware and software development.