COTS hardware supports Blackjack risk reduction
Conceptual image of the DARPA Pit Boss demonstration. (Graphic: SEAKR Engineering)
An orbital platform was used for a tactical maritime experiment by DARPA.
SEAKR Engineering on 12 May claimed ‘operational success’ for its COTS processing hardware as part of a technology demonstration supporting the DARPA Blackjack programme.
The low Earth orbit (LEO) demonstration, known as Mandrake I, is a risk-reduction mission undertaken in parallel to the Pit Boss programme in Blackjack, which features SEAKR technology for radiation mitigation and processor performance validation.
SEAKR stated that the fully operational orbital platform, launched in late 2020, ‘affords risk buy-down for future Blackjack payloads and has shown success executing a tactical maritime experiment’.
The experiment demonstrated engineering complexities such as mission autonomy, over-the-air updates and massless payload deployment, as well as sensor edge processing and exploitation.
These were enabled by the SEAKR payload incorporating a high-performance multi-core Advanced RISC Machines processor and multiple GPUs.
You may also like
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![Wave Relay devices cleared for security use on commercial systems in industry trend]()
Wave Relay devices cleared for security use on commercial systems in industry trend
Persistent Systems has been cleared by National Security Agency (NSA) to transmit sensitive data on commercial networks. The devices are added to the NSA’s Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) component list which also includes other companies’ products providing the same security.
-
![UK teases cyber spending boost in Strategic Defence Review ahead of “imminent” release]()
UK teases cyber spending boost in Strategic Defence Review ahead of “imminent” release
The release of the UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) has been long promised as mid-year. It is possible it could be as early as 2 June although the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) continues to play its cards close to its chest.
-
![Intelsat emphasises SATCOM resilience for SOF in contested domains (video)]()
Intelsat emphasises SATCOM resilience for SOF in contested domains (video)
Intelsat outlines how its multi-orbit SATCOM architecture is enhancing connectivity and resilience for special operations forces operating in degraded and contested environments.
-
![US Space Force’s next-generation missile warning system moves forward with $500 million in new contracts]()
US Space Force’s next-generation missile warning system moves forward with $500 million in new contracts
Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) satellites are intended to provide early warning of missile launches from any location worldwide and new ground stations will result in expanded coverage of critical missile warning.
-
![Airbus launches final CSO observation satellite for French Armed Forces]()
Airbus launches final CSO observation satellite for French Armed Forces
Airbus was awarded the Composante Spatiale Optique (CSO) contract at the end of 2010. This included an option for a third satellite, which was activated after Germany joined the programme in 2015.
-
![Intelligence advantage: How real-time GEOINT is reshaping military decision-making (Studio)]()
Intelligence advantage: How real-time GEOINT is reshaping military decision-making (Studio)
In today’s contested operational environment, adaptability is key. The new Geospatial-Intelligence as a Service (GEO IaaS) solution from Fujitsu and MAIAR empowers militaries by enabling intelligence advantage, combining advanced technology with human expertise to deliver actionable insights.
