First powerful supercomputer to launch on Moon without GPS or connectivity
Powerful AI tested on the Moon for the first time (collage: RBC-Ukraine)
A powerful computing system for AI and graphics processing will be tested on the Moon for the first time. It will be delivered by the FLIP unmanned lunar rover as part of the Griffin-1 mission, according to Space.
American company Astrolab is preparing to launch the FLIP unmanned lunar rover to the Moon's south pole. On board will be the special Spaceborne Computer-4 supercomputer from Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE).
How is the space supercomputer designed?
Ordinary computers are unable to operate in space, so the HPE module was created using special technology.
It is lightweight, solid-state, has no fans (since there is no air in space for cooling), and is protected by a sturdy aluminum chassis that effectively dissipates heat.
Inside, an energy-efficient processor, a powerful GPU for AI work, and reliable storage drives from KIOXIA are installed. The system will be powered by the lunar rover's solar panels and batteries.
The main task of the equipment is to prove that it can operate in extremely difficult conditions.
AI navigation will be tested on the Moon for the first time (photo: Chelsea Gohd)
The rover and computer are designed for a year-long stay on the Moon. This means they will have to survive several lunar nights, each lasting over 150 hours in complete darkness and without solar heat.
If the experiment is successful, the supercomputer will perform the following tasks:
- Create accurate surface maps in real time using cameras;
- Independently analyze terrain and plan routes;
- Test how AI programs can operate stably on other celestial bodies.
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Mars experience for lunar navigation
There are no GPS satellites on the Moon, making it difficult for rovers to determine their exact location.
To solve this problem, the lunar rover will be equipped with a "smart" navigation program previously used successfully on Mars by specialists at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
How it works: artificial intelligence will compare images from the lunar rover's cameras with photographs already stored in its memory. By recognizing familiar hills or rocks, the algorithm will be able to accurately determine the rover's coordinates and plot a safe path around deep craters.
An AI-equipped supercomputer is being sent to the Moon's south pole (photo: Chelsea Gohd)
Details of the Griffin-1 mission
The equipment will be delivered to the Moon by the Griffin lander from Astrobotic as part of NASA's special program involving private companies.
In addition to the FLIP lunar rover with the supercomputer, the following will be sent to the Moon:
- CubeRover – a small exploration rover;
- LandCam-X – an optical system for precise landing;
- Nanofiche GLPH – an ultra-compact capsule containing a digital library of human history.
The results of the space mission will help lay the groundwork for future astronaut landings under the Artemis program and the creation of permanent scientific bases on the Moon.
