AI technology is on the verge of a major breakthrough as an Nvidia Jetson Orin NX chip is set to travel to space on SpaceX’s Transporter 11 mission. While AI has made significant advancements on Earth, its deployment in space has been slow due to the challenges posed by ionized particles and cosmic rays that can damage electronics on satellites. To address this issue, Georgia-based Cosmic Shielding Corporation (CSC) has developed a special nanocomposite shielding metamaterial that can protect AI computers in space.
CSC’s nanocomposite shielding material has been tested in particle accelerators on Earth and during an experiment at the International Space Station. However, the upcoming Transporter 11 mission will mark the first time that the shielding will protect a real AI computer in space. The goal of the mission is to demonstrate the successful operation of an AI-capable Nvidia GPU in orbit with minimal to no errors while operating.
The AI-capable GPU will be flying aboard a cubesat built by Aethero, a company known for its high-performance, space-rated computers. During its four-month orbital mission, the GPU will be tasked with making mathematical calculations, the results of which will be transmitted back to Earth for analysis. One of the main challenges in space is radiation-induced errors, which can affect the performance of AI-capable GPUs due to the high number of transistors involved in parallel calculations.
A successful completion of the test on the Transporter 11 mission could pave the way for the integration of AI technology in the satellite industry. CSC has already seen a high demand for its shielding material from satellite manufacturers and Earth-observation providers looking to analyze and process images directly on board satellites. The arrival of AI in space is eagerly anticipated as it will enable new types of missions that require advanced image analysis and visual navigation.
The shielding material not only protects computers in space but also extends their lifespan, leading to cost savings for missions. Additionally, the material could have applications in spacesuits, radiation protection for future space stations, and moon habitats. CSC is working on various projects across different areas, and a successful mission with the AI-capable GPU could open doors for other applications as well.
In conclusion, the upcoming Transporter 11 mission represents a significant milestone in the integration of AI technology in space. With the development of advanced shielding materials, AI-capable GPUs can now operate effectively in the harsh environment of space, opening up new possibilities for the satellite industry and beyond. The successful demonstration of AI in space could revolutionize the way we approach missions in orbit and pave the way for future advancements in space technology.