Utilising edge computing technology to assist with biological and scientific experiments in orbit is the focus of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by South Australian companies AICRAFT and ResearchSat on Wednesday.
Artificial intelligence company, AICRAFT, and space-biology research company, ResearchSat – both graduates of the Venture Catalyst Space program delivered by the University of South Australia’s Innovation & Collaboration Centre – will work together using computer modules designed and manufactured by AICRAFT to facilitate the onboard analysis and reduction of data from ResearchSat’s in-orbit experiments.
AICRAFT will supply tailored devices aiming to support the in-orbit management of biomanufacturing computational workloads as ResearchSat continues through a period of growth and diversification of operations.
AICRAFT’s CEO, Dr Tony Scoleri, explained the value of the partnership to the company.
“This partnership is important for us to demonstrate the efficiency of our edge computing module applied to various optical data gathered from biological experiments,” said Dr Scoleri.
“In-orbit data analysis is crucial to automate task management and reduce the amount of data without compression prior to transmitting down to Earth.”
Founder and CEO of ResearchSat, RaviTeja Duggineni, echoed the importance of the collaboration.
“This partnership is vital to ResearchSat as it helps to develop microgravity-bio data sets and to fine-tune the satellite operations which lay the foundation to space bioreactor,” said Mr Duggineni.
“This innovative bioreactor is set to revolutionise regenerative medicine, personalised medication, and in-space therapeutic manufacturing, heralding a new era in space-based medical solutions.”
The companies are planning a sub-orbital demonstrator mission in December 2024.
Image: Signing of the MoU with (L-R) Jibin Dhanaraj (CTO, ResearchSat), RaviTeja Duggineni (CEO, ResearchSat), Craig Jones (Deputy Director, Innovation & Collaboration Centre, University of South Australia) and Dr Tony Scoleri (CEO, AICRAFT).
