KP Labs and Frontgrade Gaisler Forge Strategic Partnership to Advance Fault-Tolerant Computing for the Next Generation of Space Missions
KP Labs, a European leader in the development of autonomous systems for space applications, and Frontgrade™ Gaisler Technologies, a globally recognized provider of high-reliability electronic solutions for space and national security programs, have formalized a new phase of cooperation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the Space Tech Expo Europe held in Bremen, Germany. This agreement marks a significant milestone for both organizations, laying the groundwork for sustained collaboration in the design, testing, and validation of cutting-edge on-board computing architectures intended to enhance the autonomy, reliability, and fault tolerance of future satellite missions.
Meeting the Rising Need for Autonomous, Fault-Tolerant Spacecraft
As the space industry rapidly evolves, satellite operators and mission designers are increasingly shifting their attention from ground-controlled operations to more autonomous on-orbit decision-making. With satellites expected to perform complex tasks—from high-resolution Earth observation to deep-space navigation—without frequent ground intervention, the demand for robust, intelligent, and fault-tolerant computing systems has grown substantially.
Modern spacecraft must operate reliably in harsh radiation environments, withstand single-event upsets, and maintain stability even when exposed to unpredictable conditions. To achieve this, next-generation satellites employ radiation-hardened components and sophisticated FDIR (Fault Detection, Isolation, and Recovery) strategies that enable continuous performance, self-correction, and graceful degradation in the face of anomalies.
The newly established collaboration between KP Labs and Frontgrade Gaisler is aimed directly at addressing these challenges. By combining Frontgrade Gaisler’s resilient computing platforms with KP Labs’ advanced autonomous data processing capabilities, the two companies intend to deliver technologies that strengthen mission robustness and reduce dependency on ground-based oversight. Their shared vision is to pave the way for spacecraft that can think, adapt, and respond to unexpected circumstances with unprecedented levels of independence.
Uniting Expertise in Radiation-Hardened Processing and Intelligent Autonomy
The MoU outlines a strategic framework for joint development activities, combining technological strengths that complement each other across the full stack of on-board computing. Frontgrade Gaisler brings decades of experience in the design of radiation-hardened processors, fault-tolerant System-on-Chip (SoC) architectures, and high-reliability microcontrollers used in some of the world’s most demanding missions. Their solutions are known for enabling resilient computing in environments where failure is not an option.
KP Labs, meanwhile, contributes deep expertise in autonomous data processing, machine-learning-based on-board analysis, and system-level supervision technologies. The company specializes in enabling spacecraft to process complex datasets directly in orbit—reducing latency, minimizing downlink requirements, and improving mission efficiency. Their hardware and software platforms are designed to support missions that require adaptive behavior, rapid response, and dependable long-term operation.
Together, the companies aim to explore advancements across a broad spectrum of on-board computing applications. These range from small satellite platforms executing real-time data processing to larger, deep-space or planetary exploration missions where autonomy and fault tolerance are absolutely critical. The partnership will not only focus on enhancing raw computing performance but also strengthening the reliability, interoperability, and resilience of future spacecraft architectures.
Leadership Perspectives on the Collaboration
Representatives from both organizations emphasized the significance of the partnership and its potential impact on the future of space missions.
“By collaborating with Frontgrade Gaisler, we’re joining forces with one of the most respected companies in fault-tolerant space computing,” said Michał Zachara, COO at KP Labs. “Our goal is to merge proven reliability with advanced autonomy—enabling smarter, more resilient missions that can operate with greater independence from the ground.”
From the Frontgrade Gaisler side, the enthusiasm for the collaboration was equally strong.
“Our products aim to enable modern on-board data processing architecture, enhancing integration and efficiency,” said Sandi Habinc, General Manager at Frontgrade Gaisler. “Collaborating with KP Labs’ team of experts will help shape the path toward scalable, intelligent spacecraft systems.”
These shared perspectives illustrate the alignment between the two companies in both vision and technical ambition. The partnership is built not only on mutual benefit but on a shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in on-orbit computing.
Current Technical Cooperation: The Lion DPU and GR716B Microcontroller
The MoU builds on ongoing technical cooperation that has already begun yielding promising results. A key area of collaboration is the integration of Frontgrade Gaisler’s GR716B microcontroller into KP Labs’ Lion Data Processing Unit (DPU) architecture.
The GR716B is a radiation-hardened mixed-signal microcontroller known for its versatility and robustness. Designed specifically for space applications, it supports a wide array of interfaces and includes sophisticated capabilities for controlling motors and power systems—both essential functions in satellite subsystems. One of its key strengths is its built-in hardware that supports programming and scrubbing the configuration memory of Kintex Ultrascale and Virtex-5 FPGAs. This capability is instrumental in enhancing fault tolerance in FPGA-based processing units, including KP Labs’ Lion DPU.
KP Labs’ Lion DPU, a backplane-based processing unit in the ADHA 3U form factor, is designed for satellites of up to 600 kg and targets ESA Mission Class III and IV applications. Leveraging the computational performance and configurability of Kintex Ultrascale FPGAs, Lion is intended to deliver high-performance data processing and increased resilience for demanding mission profiles such as real-time Earth observation processing or autonomous system control.
Beyond the microcontroller, the Lion DPU also incorporates Frontgrade’s radiation-tolerant memory solutions, including the 4 Tb NAND flash device, providing the high-density, rad-tolerant storage required for data-intensive missions. These integrations demonstrate the strong technical synergy between the companies and provide a solid basis for deeper collaboration.
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