EDGX Launches First In-Orbit Demonstration of AI Computing System

Belgian spacetech company EDGX has successfully launched its first in-orbit demonstration of STERNA, an AI-powered edge computing system designed for satellite constellations. This launch occurred aboard SpaceX's Transporter-16 mission, marking a significant advancement in Europe’s space-based computing infrastructure. The demonstration includes two hosted payloads, enabling real-time data processing directly in space, which is crucial for various applications across commercial, governmental, and defense sectors.

EDGX launches first in-orbit demonstration of its AI computing system on SpaceX Transporter-16

STERNA is built on NVIDIA technology, allowing high-performance processing onboard satellites. This system can analyze data in orbit, reducing reliance on ground infrastructure. It is engineered to adapt to the unique constraints of space, dynamically scaling power consumption between 10W and 45W to ensure continuous operation under varying conditions. With a target operational lifetime of seven years, STERNA aims to enhance the capabilities of satellites, transforming them from mere data collection platforms into real-time decision-making systems.

EDGX launches first in-orbit demonstration of its AI computing system on SpaceX Transporter-16

EDGX's CEO, Nick Destrycker, emphasized the launch as a pivotal moment for both the company and Europe’s position in the space computing landscape. He stated, “By bringing high-performance compute directly into orbit, we're enabling satellites to move from data collection platforms to real-time decision-making systems.” The company envisions that the next phase of the space industry will be characterized by in-orbit computing, with STERNA serving as a foundational element of this infrastructure.

EDGX launches first in-orbit demonstration of its AI computing system on SpaceX Transporter-16

Co-founder and CTO Wouter Benoot elaborated on the technology, noting that STERNA is designed to optimize performance based on the power and thermal budget available in orbit. He remarked, “This first mission is about execution. We've built, tested, and now deployed our first systems in orbit. The next step is scaling, delivering reliable compute capacity in space.”

EDGX launches first in-orbit demonstration of its AI computing system on SpaceX Transporter-16

Beyond hardware capabilities, EDGX is developing a compute-as-a-service model for orbital operations. Following successful validation of STERNA, customers will have the ability to upload their software, process data in space, and downlink only the relevant results. This innovative approach lays the groundwork for future space-based data centers and scalable computing infrastructure, with two pilot projects already scheduled to commence in 2026.

EDGX launches first in-orbit demonstration of its AI computing system on SpaceX Transporter-16

EDGX is positioning itself as a leading player in the European space computing sector, having delivered over 30 flight-ready compute units. The company has received private funding from imec.istart, imec Future Fund, and PMV, and enjoys strong institutional backing from the European Space Agency (ESA), the European Commission, and the Belgian Ministry of Defence. EDGX is actively collaborating with both commercial and defense partners, establishing itself as a key compute partner for Belgian and European satellite constellations.

EDGX launches first in-orbit demonstration of its AI computing system on SpaceX Transporter-16

• “Commenting on the news, EDGX CEO Nick Destrycker said: “This launch marks a key milestone for EDGX and for Europe's position in space-based computing.” — Nick Destrycker, CEO

EDGX launches first in-orbit demonstration of its AI computing system on SpaceX Transporter-16

• “NVIDIA built the Jetson Orin silicon to push AI performance at the edge. We went one step further, put it in orbit and gave it a harder job: process as much as possible with whatever power and thermal budget the orbit allows, which changes constantly. STERNA scales dynamically between 10 and 45 watts to keep workloads running optimally through every pass. It works with the environment to boost productivity of compute onboard satellites.” — Wouter Benoot, Co-founder and CTO

EDGX launches first in-orbit demonstration of its AI computing system on SpaceX Transporter-16

• “We believe the next phase of the space industry will be defined by compute in orbit.” — Nick Destrycker, CEO

EDGX launches first in-orbit demonstration of its AI computing system on SpaceX Transporter-16

This successful launch of STERNA represents a significant step forward in the evolution of satellite technology and the broader space economy.

EDGX launches first in-orbit demonstration of its AI computing system on SpaceX Transporter-16