NASA has selected a new processor architecture on which to build chips for future space missions.
New space computer has 100 times more computing power
Last updated on January 23, 2023 8:45 am
NASA Space Computing will be used in all NASA Missions, including Moon and Mars
Institution has chosen the RISC-V architecture, specifically SiFive, for which the corresponding processor cores have been developed. The company has announced that the new High Performance Space Computing (HPSC) processor, which will be used in nearly all NASA missions, including the Moon and Mars missions, will use an eight-core SiFive Intelligence X280 RISC-V vector core and four additional SiFives. RISC-V cores. As a result, this will provide the new space computer with 100 times more computing power compared to current generation solutions.
New Processors for Space Missions
Dramatic increase in performance will help open up new possibilities for various mission elements, including autonomous rovers, imaging, spaceflight, control systems, communications and more. It is unclear when the first vehicles based on the new processor will be launched. Given the development schedule for space missions, it could be at least a few more years.