5, 4, 3, 2, 1 …
[5th March 2024, Sydney] – In a huge milestone for the Australian startup, Spiral Blue is delighted to announce that four of their SE-1 edge computers have been delivered to orbit on the SpaceX Transporter-10 mission from Cape Canaveral, Florida at 2:05 PST on March 4th aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. This brings the total number of Spiral Blue computers in orbit to 8.
This also marks the first customer missions carrying the SE-1.
Two computers are launching as part of customer missions, with the other two being operated by Spiral Blue.
SB operated
The two Spiral Blue launches are part of Project Rainbow Python - the first Australian hyperspectral mission.
These will enable an expansion of the YCIS (Your Code In Space) program launched by the company in 2023 that allows users to test drive SB hardware in orbit.
Customer missions
One SE-1 forms a critical component of Esper Satellites’ ‘Esperesso’ hyperspectral imager. The mission will unlock the hidden secrets of Earth's surface by exploring chemical compositions with cutting-edge HSI technology. From energy to climate, delving into the unseen realms and capturing invaluable insights for a sustainable future.
The second SE-1 is providing edge computing capabilities for a customer’s satellite.
“The launch of our first customer hardware is such a significant milestone for Spiral Blue, it really can't be understated. Our customers are using our hardware to carry out onboard processing and to control imaging hardware. “, said Co-Founder James Buttenshaw, “The hardware launched by Spiral Blue will, among other things, be utilised to offer our YCIS service once more, helping future customers test drive our hardware in orbit. We anticipate being able to commence operations in around one month's time. Looking to the future, Spiral Blue has various other customer and test missions planned this year, with new ones coming up regularly.”
2024 will be a huge year for Spiral Blue, with additional SE-1 computers scheduled to launch later in the year, as well as the release of the next generation space edge computer by Q3. The SE-2, which is based on the Orin NX, will boast greater processing power as an additional product offering alongside the history-making SE-1.
For YCIS and / or hardware enquiries, please contact info@spiralblue.space.
Picture/graphics/video/podcast possibilities: [2023-03-05] 4 SB Computers launch aboard Transporter-10 mission
Spiral Blue media contact
About Spiral Blue
Spiral Blue is a Sydney-based SME leading the next generation of onboard processing with artificial intelligence and Space Edge Computing. Spiral Blue technology has applications in agriculture, defence, city planning, utilities, and other industries. The success of the Space Edge One (SE-1) computer, operating flawlessly in orbit since April 2023, has made the organisation the first Australian company in history to develop and operate AI hardware in space. In addition to 5x SE-1 computers in orbit, Spiral Blue has previously launched three Space Edge Zero prototypes. Additional launches scheduled for 2024 will bring the total number of computers in orbit to 12.