Newly Space Qualified Myriad 2 Video Processor to Fly on CubeSat Mission
Artificial Intelligence (AI), coupled with a bottom-up design for edge computing, provides an attractive solution for onboard and in-flight data processing on CubeSats, where in-situ resources are limited. A de-risk GSTP Element 2 funded activity targeted the Myriad 2 Vision Processing Unit (VPU) as a suitable edge computer processor. The activity built on previous work by further characterising the device and supporting its hardware & software integration in a payload computing solution for spaceflight applications. This is now being integrated into multiple CubeSat missions.
Myriad 2 is a Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) processor that offers high-performance within a low power and thermal envelope, making it ideal for CubeSat missions with limited in-situ resources. However, the deployment of a COTS component for spaceflight applications requires thorough testing and development to ensure its suitability for the in-space environment and operational conditions.
As part of a de-risk GSTP Element 2 funded activity, the Myriad 2 was further characterised to support its hardware and software integration in a payload computing solution for spaceflight applications. A suite of test software was developed to analyse the Myriad 2's memory, hardware filters, vector engines, interfaces, and interface modules. The processor's susceptibility to single-event upsets (SEUs), single-event latching (SEL), and total ionizing dose (TID) was also tested through a series of proton radiation tests. The results indicated that the device was suitable for missions in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), paving the way for hardware and software enhancements to the CogniSat-XE1 Myriad 2 Computer Vision (CV) and AI space-grade payload processing board.
CogniSAT-XE1, the enhanced payload processing board, was integrated into a CubeSat in-orbit demonstration and interfaced with the onboard computer via Ethernet. Flexible and rapid deployment of CV and AI solutions were made possible through lightweight Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). Solutions were developed to enable efficient updates of the AI neural network in-orbit, with an AI demonstrator for solar flare detection verified. The same neural network approach can also be applied to the processing of visual navigation for future Moon landings and asteroid landing techniques.
The CogniSat-XE1 solution is planned to be flown onboard the Open Cosmos 12U MANTIS mission in 2023 and the Φ-Sat-2 mission in 2024. The commercialisation of CogniSat-XE1 and the CV & AI Toolkit API will continue, with follow-on generation development already underway. The Myriad 2 is also among the candidate hardware targets for several ongoing and intended ESA programs. The CogniSAT-XE1 CubeSat AI accelerator board from Ubotica provides a designed-for-space platform for integration into these programs. Additionally, a companion "Intelligent Space Camera" based on Myriad technology is under development and is supported by GSTP Element 2.
The contract, which was performed by Jaliko Ltd (Ireland) and Ubotica Technologies Ltd (Ireland), closed in 2022.
