Presto to participate in MACSPACE project
The MACSPACE consortium is focused on developing high-performance computer processors for use in space
Presto Engineering, a specialist in semiconductor back-end turnkey production services, is participating in the MACSPACE consortium.
The consortium brings together some of the top European technology companies and universities to research and develop high-performance computer processors that can meet the specialised requirements of space flight and manage the massive amount of data generated during space missions.
"The ability to analyse data in space, make real-time decisions and obtain better situational awareness will greatly enhance mission capabilities," says Ran Ginosar, CEO, Ramon Chips, an Israel-based semiconductor company that is coordinating the consortium.
"Consequently, we need higher-performance computing systems that can handle the massive amount of data being generated during modern space missions. The MACSPACE consortium is a major step for Europe toward developing onboard computing technologies that consume a fraction of the power used by current technologies."
Presto Engineering, along with Germany-based DSI Informationstechnik, will work on characterising and testing the prototype computer system.
Cédric Mayor, Vice President Technology and Marketing, Presto Engineering, Inc. says, "We are very honoured to be part of this very important initiative. The ambitious, multidisciplinary project involves the development of a computer system that combines very high performance with low power consumption, small size and light weight, so that it is practical for use on space craft. It needs to be robust enough to withstand the harsh environment of space, where temperatures range from -55 to 1250C and radiation accelerates aging. And, of course, it needs to be reliable, since space missions can last many years."
The collaborative project is funded by the European Commission under the FP7 SPACE programme (grant no 607212) and is managed by the Research Executive Agency. It is expected to last approximately three years.
The consortium includes:
Thales Alenia Space Italia, a European innovator of satellite systems and orbital infrastructure. The organisation will act as a representative of the customer base for this technology, which will drive requirements and subsequently test the system
CEVA, an IP DSP core provider, which will develop the computer processor's specialised core
Technische Universitaet Braunschweig, the oldest institute of technology in Germany, which will be responsible for benchmarking and evaluating the work
Arttic, a European specialist in the set-up and management of collaborative international research and development projects, which will assist with the operations of the consortium and the dissemination of its results.
Details of the research and results will be shared in a symposium and summer school in 2016. Prior to this, users will be able familiarise themselves with the onboard system through access to a web-based demonstration and emulation system.
