South Australian artificial intelligence company AICRAFT will contribute to the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre’s (MBRSC) Emirates Lunar Mission (ELM) for future onboard computing needs.
AICRAFT will develop and deliver the onboard computer for future rovers aimed at prospecting locations on the Moon and other exciting missions to the lunar surface.
As part of MBRSC’s plans, the Emirates Lunar Mission is set to explore various locations on the lunar surface with a series of lunar rovers. The ELM was kicked off in 2019 and had its first rover mission launched in December 2022.
Future ELM rover missions require an advanced onboard computer to handle data processing from science cameras, rover navigation and communication. AICRAFT’s onboard computer will be engineered to perform autonomous operations by running artificial intelligence and machine learning models when necessary.
To meet the mission’s rigorous requirements, AICRAFT will incorporate state-of-the-art radiation-hardening technologies and innovative designs in both software and hardware to ensure reliable and predictable system performance for the mission’s duration and beyond. Soft and hard errors such as bit flipping and over-current events often occur due to sudden high-energy particles striking the electronics.
These situations will be efficiently recovered from using AICRAFT’s innovative error detection and correction algorithm paired with dedicated circuitry for advanced data reliability checks and power integrity resilience. AICRAFT’s solutions go beyond what is currently achievable with ‘off-the-shelf’ products, enabling energy resources to better focus on the mission’s objectives rather than fault recovery.
While the lunar environment is less extreme than Earth’s orbits or deep space, the rover must endure the cruise phase from Earth to the Moon, with daytime temperatures up to 130°C and nighttime lows of -170°C. A meticulously designed onboard computer is critical not only for achieving the Emirates Lunar Mission’s objectives, but also for advancing future lunar exploration.
“AICRAFT is thrilled to contribute to MBRSC’s Lunar Mission and their planned next-generation rovers,” said AICRAFT CEO Tony Scoleri. “We have worked closely with MBRSC to meet their requirements and come up with a unique OBC design. The specifications are now all set and we will begin the first prototype board design and manufacture in the coming months. This project exemplifies our commitment to empowering customers with reliable, low-power AI-driven solutions and supporting MBRSC to lead humanity’s exploration of the Moon and beyond.”
“Collaboration is a key aspect of MBRSC’s approach to advancing space exploration, enabling us to integrate the best technologies and expertise into our missions,” said Emirates Lunar Mission Project Manager Hamad Ahmad Al Marzooqi. “Our partnership with AICRAFT reflects this commitment as we work together to enhance the onboard computing capabilities of future lunar rovers. The Emirates Lunar Mission is designed to generate scientific insights and technological capabilities that will inform future lunar and planetary exploration.”
