An improved version of the Spaceborne Computer-2 will head to the ISS this week with additional flash storage to measure the long-term effects of storage in space.

HPE has been experimenting with space servers for some time through NASA and sent its first unit to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2017. Despite some software problems, the test was successful, after which the Spaceborne Computer-2 saw the light of day (and space) in 2021. Now an updated version of this server is traveling to the ISS.

The most important thing about each unit is that it consists of standard components that anyone can order. The compact rack contains EdgeLine and Proliant servers. Initially, NASA supplied its own inverters to provide AC power to the system. In 2021, the switch to direct current took place and hardware and software configurations around RAID were added.

In the expanded version of the Spaceborne Computer-2, HPE is now adding additional flash storage to explore long-term storage and recovery in space. NASA wants to find out what is possible in future lunar and Mars missions.

Mark Fernandez, director of the project, spoke to The Register. “The space computer has the potential to accelerate not only data processing in space, but also the exchange of data insights between Earth and space. I hope the additional power can also strengthen the use of AI and machine learning on the ISS.”