TechEdSat-13: The First Flight of a Neuromorphic ProcessorNeuromorphic processors, inspired by the wiring of the brain, permit certain classes of Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) algorithms to run far more efficiently. Ultimately, such systems will make the small- and nano-satellite platforms even more useful in terms of greatly improved power, communication and internal data management. In addition, on-board processing of images and data will help to not only rapidly interpret the information, but also reduce the amount of data that needs to be transmitted to ground stations. This initial flight experiment uses the Intel/Loihi processor combined with a custom interface board and three communication channels to run the AI/ML scripts. These will vary with increasing length and complexity during the course of the mission. The algorithms will use the (at first) limited sensor data to ‘learn’ - with comparisons to similar architecture in comparable ground experiments. Some of the applications for successor flights in the TES-n flight series include Cognitive Communications, whereby the overall communication system is optimized per overflight – by optimizing timing and data transmission functions. Lastly, the performance of the Loihi 14nm process technology will be monitored for performance in the LEO radiation environment, thus looking for induced hardware and software errors. This information will help guide future radiation protection techniques to extend the lifetime and overall utility. The TES-13 is a 3U nanosat successfully launched by the Virgin Orbit Launcher-1 on January 13, 2022, and will presage more flights and AI/ML applications to come.
Document ID
20220005780
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Presentation
Authors
Marcus Murbach (Ames Research Center Mountain View, California, United States)
Alejandro Salas (Millennium Engineering and Integration (United States) Arlington, Virginia, United States)
Michael Lowry (Ames Research Center Mountain View, California, United States)
Eric Barszcz (Ames Research Center Mountain View, California, United States)
Janette Briones (Glenn Research Center Cleveland, Ohio, United States)
Peter Schemmel (Glenn Research Center Cleveland, Ohio, United States)
Michael Mercury (Exploration Institute Cheyenne, Wyoming, United States)
Tarek Taha (Brisk Computing Dayton, Ohio, United States)