Aethero and Antmicro Collaborate on Open Source Space Edge AI Design

Aethero has recently announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Antmicro, a leading technology company specializing in open source tools, to develop cutting-edge edge AI hardware tailored for space applications. This partnership aims to revolutionize the field of space technology by leveraging open source resources and innovative design strategies.

Together, Aethero and Antmicro are focused on the rapid development of flight-ready modular edge computers capable of handling complex space AI algorithms and data processing tasks on satellites. One of the key achievements of this collaboration is the creation of the space-qualified NxN Edge Computing Module, which is set to be launched aboard the SpaceX Falcon-9 Transporter-11 rideshare mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

The NxN Edge Computing Module represents a significant milestone in space technology innovation, as it was developed in less than a year using Antmicro's product design services and open source tools, in conjunction with commercially available Nvidia Jetson platforms. This module is designed to be radiation-hardened and versatile, making it an ideal compute platform for a wide range of space applications.

Antmicro played a crucial role in providing the software foundation for the NxN Edge Computing Module, contributing both Linux and Zephyr RTOS software for controlling the payload. Additionally, Antmicro implemented their open source RDFM framework, enabling modular, configurable, multi-OS device OTA updates and fleet management through Aethero's user portal.

To streamline the development process and ensure robust testing, the complete software stack for the on-board system was built and validated using Renode, Antmicro's open source simulator. This approach allowed for parallelized development and comprehensive testing across various scenarios, enhancing the reliability and performance of the edge AI hardware.