SAIC has the ambitious goal of setting a new standard for computing power in space
US defense contractor SAIC has awarded its first Pentagon contract for small satellite integration in partnership with spacecraft manufacturer GomSpace.
Under an undisclosed contract, SAIC will develop and deploy a satellite to demonstrate in space technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, edge computing and software, and zero-zero cybersecurity architecture trust».
The deal represents an important milestone for SAIC and its partnership with GomSpace North America, which was formed more than a year ago to collaborate on small satellites — their design, production, deployment and operation.
GomSpace North America, the American division of the Danish company GomSpace Group, will provide a cubesat for this project. In addition, SAIC will collaborate with ThermAvant Technologies, a provider of thermal management solutions for space systems.
The goal of the project is to create a powerful cubesat capable of maximizing power output while being small in size and weight. ThermAvant Technologies will bring its technologies to improve thermal performance and minimize the size and weight of the satellite.
Scheduled for launch in 2025, the project is expected to become the new standard for computing power on small platforms. Thanks to the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning, the satellite will be able to process data with minimal delays.
According to SAIC representatives, increasing computing power in orbit will reduce the need to transmit large amounts of data to Earth for subsequent processing. This, in turn, will speed up the decision-making process.
The Pentagon's Defense Science and Technology program plays an important role in funding research and development. The creation of such satellites is consistent with the Pentagon's strategy to use artificial intelligence and computing capabilities for national security purposes.