HPE Launches First-Ever In-Space Commercial Edge Computing System To Accelerate Space Exploration

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has announced it is enabling real-time data processing with advanced commercial edge computing in space for the first time. The move will accelerate space exploration and improve self-sufficiency for astronauts.

Spaceborne Computer was installed on the International Space Station (ISS) as part of a one-year mission.

Using SBC-2, astronauts and researchers at International Space Station (ISS) will now be able to process data at the edge and speed time-to-insight from months to minutes on various experiments, from processing medical imaging and DNA sequencing to unlocking key insights from volumes of remote sensors and satellites.

SBC-2 is scheduled to launch into orbit on the 15^th Northrop Grumman Resupply Mission to Space Station (NG-15) on February 20 and will be available for use on the International Space Station for the next 2-3 years.

The NG-15 spacecraft has been named “SS Katherine Johnson” in honour of Katherine Johnson, a black NASA mathematician who was critical to the early success of the space program.

SBC-2 will offer twice as much compute speed with purpose-built edge computing capabilities powered by the HPE Edgeline Converged Edge system and HPE ProLiant server to ingest and process data from a range of devices, including satellites and cameras, and process in real-time.

Spaceborne Computer-2 is equipped with graphic processing units (GPUs) to efficiently process image-intensive data requiring higher image resolution such as shots of polar ice caps on earth or medical x-rays. The GPU capabilities will also support specific projects using AI and machine learning techniques.

 “The most important benefit to delivering reliable in-space computing with Spaceborne Computer-2 is making real-time insights a reality. Space explorers can now transform how they conduct research based on readily available data and improve decision-making,” said Dr. Mark Fernandez, solution architect, Converged Edge Systems at HPE, and principal investigator for Spaceborne Computer-2.

“We are honoured to make edge computing in space possible and through our longstanding partnerships with NASA and the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory, we are looking forward to powering new, exciting research opportunities to make breakthrough discoveries for humanity,” he added.

HPE is delivering the same edge computing technologies targeted for harsh, remote environments on earth such as oil and gas refineries, manufacturing plants or on defence missions, to space.

The company is also inviting submissions for research considerations on SBC-2. Know more about it here.