SRF enables the application of high-performance processors, when embedded in COTS FPGAs, in NASA missions that traditionally demanded radiation hard by design (RHBD) processors with their associated performance, power and cost. A lower-cost compact flight computer, based on a multi-core SoC FPGA, and utilizing SRF provides Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) benefits, especially for deep space missions needing moderate radiation tolerance. These applications span the entire range of space missions from Deep Space all the way down to LEO environments where operational reliability requirements demand improved SEU tolerance. There are currently a significant number of missions contemplating GTO, MEO and HEO orbits with small spacecraft for scientific, military and commercial applications that could benefit from the SRF.
Commercial ventures in deep space for asteroid mining and other potentially lucrative opportunities are highly motivated to leverage COTS electronics in their spacecraft designs and will be equally interested as NASA in SRF for enabling COTS FPGA utilization. Commercial satellite communications (SATCOM) spacecraft traditionally use pedigree electronics but with the recent interest in constellations of hundreds of communication satellite in 5+ year LEO missions they will be interested in technologies that enable the COTS for SWaP-C benefits. With ongoing Congressional budget pressures and interests in disaggregated and fractionated architectures the DoD and Intelligence Community will find interest and potential application of SRF to enable COTS FPGAs for longer LEO, GEO and possibly MEO missions as well.
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