Aitech’s S-A1760 Venus™ Brings NVIDIA-based AI Supercomputing to Next Generation Space Applications
Radiation-characterized COTS system qualified for use in smallsat clusters and short-duration spaceflights
Aitech has developed the S-A1760 Venus™, the most powerful and smallest radiation-characterized space AI GPGPU. The new, small form factor (SFF) system is rated for space flight and small satellite constellations used in near-earth orbit (NEO) and low earth orbit (LEO) applications.
The COTS-based system is validated for use in these short-duration and NEO/LEO environments through the Series 300 level qualification standard that identifies the rad-tolerant needs of space components and systems not used in deep space or long-haul applications.
Dan Mor, Director, Video and GPGPU Product Line at Aitech, noted, “With the growing need for advanced imaging and data processing throughout space-rated applications, transitioning our powerful GPGPU-based AI supercomputers to this industry was a logical choice. By validating these space-rated, COTS-based systems with a clearly defined and recognized qualification level, we’re helping lead the charge in the development of commercial space applications and smallsat cluster innovations.”
Based on Aitech’s popular A176 Cyclone GPGPU system, the S-A1760 Venus also uses the NVIDIA Jetson TX2i system-on-module (SoM) that features the Pascal™ architecture with 256 CUDA cores and reaches 1 TFLOPS of processing. This compact, rugged, space-rated system is ideal for high-performance, small-footprint environments. It is the most advanced solution for onboard edge computing such as AI, deep learning, and video and signal processing for the next generation of short-duration spaceflight, NEO and LEO satellites applications.
The new AI supercomputer includes a robust set of I/O interfaces including Gigabit Ethernet, UART Serial, USB 2.0, CANbus, and discrete as well as DVI/HDMI output. Video capture includes an HD-SDI input with a dedicated H.264 encoder and eight RS-170A (NTSC)/PAL composite channels available simultaneously.
The S-A1760 Venus is a truly SFF SWaP (size, weight, and power) optimized system. It meets MIL-STD-810H requirements for bench handling and conforms to VITA 47 for shock and vibration.