Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
NASA has partnered with Microchip Technology Inc. in a public-private collaboration to develop High-Performance Spaceflight Computing, a next-generation system-on-chip designed to greatly enhance onboard spacecraft processing capabilities. This technology aims to meet the growing computational demands of complex, long-duration space missions by providing over 100 times the computing power of current space processors while reducing cost and power consumption. Its scalable architecture allows unused functions to power down, optimizing energy efficiency.
The High-Performance Spaceflight Computing family includes distinct but compatible technologies for various mission needs. The radiation-hardened version is intended for geosynchronous, deep-space, and long-duration lunar or Martian missions, supporting real-time autonomous tasks in harsh environments. The radiation-tolerant version targets the commercial space sector, offering fault tolerance and cybersecurity for low Earth orbit satellites.
This system features advanced Ethernet connectivity to link multiple sensors or cluster chips, enabling spacecraft to process large data volumes onboard and make autonomous real-time decisions, such as driving rovers or filtering scientific imagery. Continuous system health monitoring and an integrated security controller enhance mission safety and reliability. The collaboration among NASA, Microchip, and various academic and industry partners reflects an effort to maintain U.S. leadership in spaceflight computing.