In a significant development for the future of space exploration, the upcoming SpaceX Transporter 11 mission will see the deployment of the Nvidia Jetson Orin NX graphics processor in orbit. This processor is commonly used for artificial intelligence tasks and complex calculations on the edge, marking a crucial advancement in the integration of modern technologies in outer space.
One of the primary challenges in space is the detrimental impact of ionized particles and cosmic rays on electronics. To ensure computers can operate effectively in such harsh conditions, they need to be shielded from radiation. However, the process of developing this shielding is time-consuming, leading to the use of outdated processors on many satellites.
The Cosmic Shielding Corporation (CSC), headquartered in Georgia, has developed a novel nanocomposite material designed to provide effective radiation protection. This material, made from a polymer combined with nanoparticles, has demonstrated its ability to halt charged particles. While the exact composition remains confidential, the efficacy of the material has been validated in terrestrial laboratories and through an experiment conducted on the International Space Station.
Now, CSC faces the challenge of testing their protective coating in an actual space mission. The Transporter 11 mission will deploy a satellite equipped with the NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX processor, which will perform mathematical computations under space conditions. The data generated by the processor will be sent back to Earth for evaluation, with the main objective being to ascertain the processor’s resilience in orbit with minimal errors.
A successful mission outcome could herald a new era in the satellite industry, enabling the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence technologies in orbit. Satellite manufacturers and companies involved in ground monitoring are already expressing interest in leveraging these technologies for real-time image analysis and processing directly onboard satellites. The integration of AI in space operations could facilitate novel mission types, including in-orbit servicing, manufacturing, and active debris removal.
The incorporation of cutting-edge technologies with AI assistance is poised to enhance the efficiency of electronic systems in space. While the Moore’s Law, dictating a doubling of computing power in integrated circuits every two years, traditionally applied only on Earth, advancements like the CSC’s technology now pave the way for its implementation in orbit.
Furthermore, the new protective material promises to prolong the lifespan of computers in space, thereby reducing the overall costs of space missions. This material also holds potential for utilization in crafting radiation shielding for spacecraft, future space stations, and lunar bases. The successful execution of the current mission could unlock myriad other applications for this groundbreaking technology.