Photo: Ramon.Space

The Israel Space Agency awarded a contract to space computing systems company Ramon.Space to provide a space computing payload for a mission scheduled to launch in early 2022.

Under the terms of the contract announced on Tuesday, Ramon.Space will provide the agency with a digital payload that can perform computing on-orbit including software updates and upgrades. Financial details of the contract were not disclosed.

“Space missions call for Earth-like flexibility and reliable computing infrastructure,” said Avi Blasberger, director general of the Israel Space Agency, part of the country’s Ministry of Science and Technology. “We have been very impressed with the computing capabilities that Ramon.Space offers. Ramon.Space is a trusted partner and we are confident that their cutting edge space technology will set the direction for the future of computing in space and revolutionize digital payloads.”

Ramon.Space’s programmable space computing systems are based on in-house designed manycore Rad- Hard DSP space processor ICs. These systems are equipped with  machine learning capabilities, storage and a virtual radiation shield designed to operate reliably in the harsh space environment.

“We are proud to collaborate with the Israel Space Agency and look forward to the launch which will further validate our advanced computing capabilities in space,” said Avi Shabtai, CEO of Ramon.Space.

Shabtai appeared as a guest on this week’s Via Satellite‘ On Orbit podcast. During the interview, he explained the unique challenges of developing software for new, in-demand space applications.