Spiral Blue edge computer goes to work in space

Edge computer manufacturer Spiral Blue has announced that the commissioning of their Space Edge One computer (SE-1, pictured) has made it the first Australian Space Edge computer to become operational in space.

SE-1 is the most powerful computer ever built for use in space outside of a space station, boasting the capability to process massive amounts of data in real-time using cutting edge AI technology.

Edge computing allows customers to conduct quick and efficient data analysis close to where it is produced – in this case in space – reducing the bandwidth needed to broadcast data to Earth.

Spiral Blue CEO Taofiq Huq said: “After many years and multiple launches, we’ve finally got operational data back from space for one of our missions.

“This is a huge milestone for Spiral Blue as a space company and a validation of the massive effort that our team has put into Space Edge Computing over the years.”

SE-1 is now capable of processing data in space at quantities and speeds never seen before at such a low size, weight and power, according to the company.

“This new level of computing power will provide customers with faster and more accurate insights into satellite data, allowing for better decision making and increased productivity by enabling the use of AI in space.

“Spiral Blue’s SE-1 is unique in that it enables customers to run their existing code in space without the need for a compiler, resulting in faster time to orbit than ever before.”

The SE-1 is also the first Xavier NX in space, providing high performance and low power consumption.

The NVIDIA Jetson Xavier NX module is considered to be the smallest AI supercomputer in the world for embedded and edge systems.

Spiral Blue proprietary machine learning applications optimised to run on the Space Edge Computer include, Vessel Detect, Cloud Clipper, Canopy Mapper, Fire Severity and Water Body Mapper.

This is the fourth Spiral Blue Space Edge Computer, and first Space Edge One launched thus far. Spiral Blue has previously launched 3 Space Edge Zero prototypes in space.

Spiral Blue is also working with other space hardware manufacturers through an Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre Commercialisation Grant.

This grant is supporting Spiral Blue’s Rainbow Python mission, an integrated hyperspectral imaging and edge computing platform.

Further reading:
SPIRAL BLUE DELIVERS SATELLITE EDGE COMPUTER FOR PROJECT RAINBOW PYTHON

Picture: Spiral Blue