Can commercial off-the-shelf technology survive in space? This question is at the heart of Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s Spaceborne Computer-2 Project. Dr. Mark Fernandez (Principal Investigator for Spaceborne Computer Project, Hewlett Packard Enterprise) and Cameron T. Brett (Chair, SNIA STA Forum) discuss this project with SNIA host Eric Wright, and you can watch that full video here, listen to the podcast, or you can read on to learn more. By utilizing enterprise SAS and NVMe SSDs, they are revolutionizing edge computing in space on the International Space Station (ISS). This breakthrough is accelerating experiment processing, like DNA analysis, from months to minutes, and significantly improving astronaut health monitoring and safety protocols.
The Role of SAS in Space
Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) technology, known for its high performance and reliability, has been a cornerstone in this mission. SAS has been evolving for over 30 years, offering enhancements in speed, functionality, and durability. For this project, the combination of Value SAS (single-port, cost-effective, low power SAS drives) and Enterprise SAS SSDs (high-performance, dual-port drives) provided the perfect balance of reliability, power efficiency, and speed.
On the ISS, resilience is critical. The drives must withstand high radiation levels and cosmic events while continuing to operate with minimal or no disruption. SAS drives, especially Enterprise-class SSDs, bring proven durability with built-in redundancy and error-correction capabilities. SAS technology offers sophisticated monitoring tools that allow the Spaceborne Computer-2 to track the health of drives daily, flagging potential issues before they become catastrophic. This self-healing functionality ensures that storage continues without failure, even in the harshest environments.
Resilience and Sustainability in Space
Beyond performance, SAS storage also plays a key role in sustainability. By extending the lifecycle of hardware through software enhancements and redundant configurations, the project reduces the need for frequent hardware replacements—a crucial advantage in space, where replacing components is far more challenging than on Earth. This philosophy of extending hardware life through SAS technology mirrors trends in earthbound enterprise applications, where companies seek to lower costs and emissions by maximizing the use of existing infrastructure.
Real-World Applications: DNA Analysis and Astronaut Safety
One of the project’s key successes has been reducing the time for DNA sequencing onboard the ISS from months to minutes, allowing astronauts’ health to be monitored daily. Another achievement was the development of AI software that analyzes astronauts’ glove conditions post-spacewalk, reducing the time needed for analysis from five days to just 45 seconds. These advancements are made possible by the combined power of SAS SSDs, which store massive data sets, and NVMe drives, which accelerate processing.
Looking Ahead: The Future of SAS in Space
As space exploration advances, the Spaceborne Computer-2 Project continues to evolve, and SAS technology is expected to continue playing a prominent role. With Spaceborne Computer-3 on the horizon, this next iteration promises twice the storage capacity and GPU capabilities, while using half the electrical power. The new generation of SAS SSDs, tailored specifically for the extreme conditions of space, will continue to push the boundaries of what commercial technology can achieve beyond Earth’s atmosphere.