Nvidia chief Jensen Huang said on Monday that the chip maker is heading to space. Their goal is to manage orbiting data centers. Nvidia launched a graphics processing unit (GPU) into space late last year.
This event, by startup Starcloud, was seen as a big debut for the technology. Now, Nvidia is creating a module designed for data centers in space. We're working with our allies on a new computer called Vera Rubin Space One," Huang said at the GPU maker's annual design conference in Silicon Valley.
It’s going to go out to space and begin information centers. Partners in the extend include Starcloud. They are planning a November launch that will mark the "cosmic debut" of the new Nvidia module.
Jensen Huang Unveils Nvidia’s Plan for Orbital Data Centers Powered by AI GPUs
A Starcloud-1 device, about the size of a small fridge, will have 100 times more computing power than previous space missions. Philip Johnston, co-founder and CEO of Starcloud, said that in 10 years.
Read Also: Crew-11 Mission: NASA and SpaceX to Discuss Space Station Science Activities
One of the most companies will build new data centers in outer space. The startup clarified that it plans to control Google AI with the Nvidia GPUs to appear that huge dialect models can run in external space.
Nvidia described the Vera Rubin module as designed for AI. It enables real-time detection, decision-making, and autonomous operation.
Space computing, the last wilderness, has arrived,” Huang said. We're teaming up to expand Nvidia beyond Earth. We're taking insights to places they've never been.
Tech firms are considering building data centers in space. They want to use the sun’s energy to meet high demand for power in the fast-paced AI race.
Nvidia Develops Vera Rubin Module for Future Orbital Data Centers
More than twelve new businesses, aviation pioneers, and big tech companies are working on space-based data centers. They are improving, testing, or planning these centers.
The big appeal of space for data centers is control of supply. They can sync satellites with the sun’s orbit to ensure steady sunlight on solar panels. Building in space avoids local challenges.
It skips issues with arrival rules and community pushback on projects. Specialized views on these operations must be addressed. There are key concerns, such as damage to data centers from high radiation and extreme temperatures. Also, there's the risk of being struck by space junk.
Orbital Information Centers
The idea of orbital information centers, like satellites or space stations, is gaining attention. This is partly due to Elon Musk merging his companies, xAI and SpaceX, to focus on computing in space.
You Must Also Like: SpaceX Starship Flight Test 11 Achieves All Objectives For Splashdown
The concept remains exploratory. Large space information centers need lower dispatch costs. They also need better shuttle control systems that can handle energy-intensive computing hardware.
Still, Nvidia’s processors are as of now becoming part of the space industry’s innovation stack. Many eager companies rely on the company's GPUs in data centers for processing and analytics. More are now experimenting with Nvidia equipment in orbit.
Many Space Companies Use Nvidia Processors for AI in Space
The companies are:
-
Aetherflux
-
Maxim Space
-
Kepler Communications
-
Planet Labs
-
Sophia Space
-
Starcloud
Starcloud, for example, launched a bit of a buzz in November. They introduced the first H100 GPU to explore the idea of satellites as orbital data centers.
Planet Labs announced a new partnership with Nvidia on Monday. This collaboration aims to speed up the analysis of Earth-imaging data. The company plans to use Nvidia's stages to cut preparation time for imagery from hours to seconds.
Planet stated it has tested Nvidia’s IGX Jetson Thor module for space use. They plan to include the GPU in their next generation of imaging satellites. This will enhance experiences directly in orbit.
Nvidia stated that clients cannot access the Space-1 Vera Rubin Module yet, but they expect it will reach them soon.