NASA and Microchip develop high-performance spaceflight computing chips
Updated
Updated · NASA · May 8
NASA and Microchip develop high-performance spaceflight computing chips
7 articles · Updated · NASA · May 8
The new system-on-chip offers more than 100 times current space-processor capability, with NASA Langley and Jet Propulsion Laboratory leading development for missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond.
The processor family includes radiation-hardened and radiation-tolerant versions, combining computing and networking to cut cost and power use while enabling autonomous real-time tasks, fault tolerance and cybersecurity.
NASA said the public-private effort could support future spacecraft and low-Earth-orbit satellites while also feeding Earth-based industries including aviation, automotive, energy, medical equipment and communications.
Can NASA's custom HPSC chip outpace rapidly advancing commercial processors being adapted for space?
As HPSC powers autonomous satellites, how will we prevent AI-driven conflicts in an already crowded orbit?
Will orbital data centers remain science fiction until launch costs fall below $100 per kilogram?
High Performance Spaceflight Computing: NASA and Microchip’s 100x Faster RISC-V Processor Passes Critical Space Qualification Tests
Overview
The High Performance Spaceflight Computing (HPSC) project, led by NASA and Microchip, has made significant strides since completing its Critical Design Review in 2024, reaching tape-out in 2025, and fabricating the first chips later that year. In early 2026, the processor demonstrated basic functionality by sending its first email and is now undergoing rigorous testing for space qualification. Built on an open RISC-V architecture with advanced AI-optimized cores, fault tolerance, and high-speed interfaces, HPSC delivers over 100 times the computing power of current spaceflight systems. This breakthrough enables autonomous exploration, robust lunar infrastructure, and scalable spacecraft networks, while also driving industry shifts toward open standards and raising important legal and ethical considerations for future space missions.