Startup Cosmic Shielding Develops Radiation Shield Tech for High-Performance AI Chips in Space

What's Happening?

Cosmic Shielding, an Atlanta-based startup, has developed a lightweight nanocomposite called Plasteel to protect advanced commercial processors from radiation in space. This technology aims to close the gap between the computing power satellites can carry and the latest commercial designs. The company demonstrated Plasteel's effectiveness by successfully testing an Nvidia Jetson Orin NX GPU in orbit. Cosmic Shielding has secured a $4 million TACFI contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory to develop a tool predicting the performance of radiation-shielded AI chips in space. The startup is also collaborating with Axiom Space and other agencies to expand the use of its shielding technology.

Why It's Important?

The development of Plasteel by Cosmic Shielding addresses a critical challenge in satellite design: the need for effective radiation shielding without sacrificing performance. This innovation could significantly enhance the capabilities of satellites, allowing them to carry more advanced computing power into orbit. The ability to run AI and machine-learning algorithms in space could transform data processing, reducing the need to relay information back to Earth. The Air Force's investment in this technology highlights its potential military applications, while the interest from commercial and government sectors suggests broad implications for the space industry.

What's Next?

Cosmic Shielding's partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory and other agencies indicates ongoing development and testing of its radiation shielding technology. The startup plans to expand its operations and relocate to Huntsville, Alabama, to support further growth. As interest in radiation shielding increases, Cosmic Shielding is poised to play a key role in advancing satellite technology and enabling more sophisticated AI applications in space. The company's collaborations with international space agencies suggest potential global impact.