Avalanche Technology has announced a high-density magnetoresistive random-access memory (MRAM) device integration with NOVI Space to support real-time AI compute “at the edge of space.” The companies say the integration is aimed at improving reliability and performance for NOVI’s On-Board Computer (OBC) systems, with a focus on fast data-commit behavior and high write endurance.

Avalanche positions its “Space Grade” non-volatile memory around five criteria it says must be met simultaneously for space missions: survive radiation without disruption, retain data for the life of a mission, endure unlimited writes, commit data instantly, and prove real space heritage. Avalanche says its Space Grade MRAM addresses these requirements through “inherent radiation immunity, permanent data retention, unlimited endurance, deterministic nanosecond writes, and proven flight qualification.” The announcement with NOVI specifically highlights two criteria: “Commit” and “Endure.”

For NOVI’s OBC use case, Avalanche says its MRAM can complete individual data writes in nanoseconds with unlimited write cycles on the memory cells. The companies specifically cite Avalanche’s “8Gb DQSPI” as the high-density memory device being used as part of the Space Grade solution for NOVI’s OBC family.

“Our mission of moving the analysis layer from Earth edge to Space edge requires the collection and computation of vast amounts of raw imagery,” said Scott Steffan, Chief Revenue Officer at NOVI. “Avalanche’s Space Grade MRAM has all the features needed for reliable data processing in space for our family of OBCs, supporting scalability to GEO and beyond. This eliminates the need to transfer all data down to a terrestrial station, speeding up operation, and reducing cost.”

“By delivering a high-density, Space Grade memory solution to NOVI, we’re fundamentally reshaping how data is processed beyond Earth,” said Paul Chopelas, Avalanche Technology GM for Space and Defense. “Our non-volatile memory architecture provides a wide range of advantages, including instant data commits and virtually unlimited write cycles, along with built-in error detection and correction that simplifies system design. This level of resilience and reliability is essential for enabling advanced computing in the harsh and unforgiving environment of space.”

Source: Avalanche Technology