HPE and NASA Increasingly Transform HPC and Space Exploration with Spaceborne Computer

Space exploration is one of the most exciting and multifaceted fields of research. From promoting scientific education and creating jobs, to expanding environmental studies and unraveling the mysteries of the universe, investigating the reaches of space holds the key to advancing human knowledge and human lives. NASA is spearheading the effort “to pioneer the future in space exploration, scientific discovery, and aeronautics research.” To achieve this, NASA utilizes leading-edge technologies to collect, analyze, and transmit vast quantities of data and rapidly derive intelligent insights. High performance computing ( #HPC ) capabilities are essential to executing these critical workloads, and last year, @NASA teamed up with leading developer @Hewlett Packard Enterprise ( #HPE ) to launch the first HPC system into space. HPE is working closely with NASA in a year-long experiment to deploy and operate a fully-functional HPC machine aboard the International Space Station ( #ISS ). The mission—known as #SpaceborneComputer—is designed to revolutionize space exploration, drive scientific and technological advancements, and accelerate innovation for the benefit of mankind. Spaceborne Computer was launched to the ISS on August 14th, 2017 and powered up one month later on September 14th. As of April 9th, the first supercomputer in space has been operating successfully for 207 days and orbiting for a total of 238 days—that’s 3,460 revolutions around the Earth. And the achievements don’t stop there. Reaching new frontiers of innovation Since becoming operational, Spaceborne Computer has consistently delivered one trillion calculations per second (or one teraflop of performance). This groundbreaking accomplishment earned HPE two esteemed awards at SuperComputing 2017, including the Hyperion Research “HPC Innovation Excellence Award” as well as the HPCwire Editors’ Choice Award for “Top Supercomputing Achievement.” Since then, HPE and NASA have shared their progress at a number of HPC and academic events, kindling a growing intrigue in Spaceborne Computer. These activities range from talks with inquisitive fourth-grade classrooms and university aeronautical engineering clubs, to Dr. Eng Lim Goh’s session at HPE Discover Madrid, and the 2018 Mobile World Congress. Spaceborne Computer is fueling a new and undeniable passion for space research. In fact, one enthusiast shared his tattoo of the ISS with experts at the Spaceborne Computer area of an HPE event booth—and they photographed him and his ISS tattoo alongside the Spaceborne Computer system dashboard. The mission is even embracing the holiday spirit (as seen below), transforming the ISS emblem into Santa Claus with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer on Christmas Eve.

https://www.hpcwire.com/solution_content/hpe/government-academia/hpe-and-nasa-increasingly-transform-hpc-and-space-exploration-with-spaceborne-computer/