Beyond Gravity's Lynx computer takes data processing to new level

Beyond Gravity's Lynx computer takes data processing to new level
by Staff Writers
Zurich, Switzerland (SPX) Mar 16, 2023

The Beyond Gravity Lynx computer for satellites is 250 times more powerful than regular onboard computers. The Lynx computer provides capability to process data already in orbit instead of processing it on earth - saving time, energy, and cost.

Satellites produce more and more data. The ability to send large satellite photos down to earth is becoming a critical bottleneck. Beyond Gravity's Lynx computer solves this problem. "With its unprecedented amount of processing power the Lynx computer is ideal for this kind of in-orbit processing", says Anders Linder, Executive Vice President Division Satellites at Beyond Gravity, a leading space supplier. For instance, the Lynx computer can process all images for suitability and only transmits valid images.

Lynx: a powerful and flexible computer
The Lynx computer is a high-performance single board computer, designed for critical tasks in a harsh radiation environment, with flexible communication, interface, and mass storage capabilities, all in 6U Space VPX form factor. The unprecedented processing capability is provided by the quad core ARM processor delivering more than 30.000 DMIPS, and onboard flash storage, rated for 15 years in low earth orbit and beyond. In addition, Lynx includes a powerful FPGA (field-programmable gate array) for flexibility in communication, interface, and processing capability. The Lynx's computer power and flexibility allow it to perform as both the primary satellite flight computer and/or payload computer solution.

"Lynx opens up world of AI opportunities"
Anders Linder: "We have a computer that perfectly matches the requirements for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in space development programs. Our Lynx computer opens up a world of AI opportunities." To enable a large-scale use of Artificial Intelligence in orbit, Beyond Gravity partners with other companies. "Our flight computer is powerful enough to suit the most computationally demanding space applications," says Anders Linder.

Qualification before summer
Currently, the engineering qualification model of the Lynx computer is being developed at Beyond Gravity's site in Gothenburg, Sweden. It is scheduled to be successfully qualified before summer. Anders Linder: "We are also developing a unit that combines Lynx, power supplies and additional interface boards for a flexible, customer-based solution to reduce customer costs and complexity."