Aitech defense systems computers and peripheral component interconnect (PCI) boards are aboard the Orbital Express system supporting an on-orbit demonstration led by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).
Launched on March 8, 2007, Orbital Express is part of a DARPA program aimed at demonstrating fully autonomous on-orbit spacecraft servicing capabilities. It consists of two spacecraft; the Autonomous Space Transport Robotic Operations (ASTRO) vehicle, developed by The Boeing Company; and NextSat, a prototypical modular next-generation serviceable client satellite developed by Ball Aerospace.
Aitech provided the first generation computers for ASTRO that included several types of Aitech's space-qualified, radiation-tolerant 3U CompactPCI boards.
Integration of Aitech's computers and PCI boards with Orbital Express is a significant achievement for the company and the embedded computing industry in developing fully autonomous, robotic commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) in-space subsystems.
The ASTRO computers (AC-1, AC-2 and AC-3) are integrated as three subsystems and are based on Aitech's new, 3U CompactPCI-based product line including the PowerPC-based 3U S950 single board computer (SBC), various analog and digital I/O boards as well as a fully-configured subsystem enclosure and power supplies.
The three mission-critical computers utilize Aitech's space-rated boards and enclosures. The computers include the command and data handling spacecraft control computer, the robotic docking computer and the replaceable avionics insertion computer that will dock ASTRO with NextSat.
Aitech
