Kestrel is a data processing system designed for CubeSats and small satellites.
With the NVIDIA Jetson TX2i module at its core, the Kestrel adds massive parallel computing capability as well as high-performance CPUs. Colossus’s design adds extra storage, including a standard microSD card and M.2 2280 SSD slot. By default, these are populated with validated, industrial-grade options. Gigabit Ethernet is available for high-speed connectivity, as well as other common interfaces.
Colossus’s design provides protection and telemetry circuits for routine monitoring, as well as fault detection and isolation. Each subsystem is protected with a resettable eFuse circuit to mitigate the effects of radiation. Data is protected with Error Correction Codes (ECC) for RAM and the large capacity non-violate memory allows the storage of multiple copies of key files.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Lead Time | 2 weeks for an Engineering Model |
| Lead Time | 6 weeks for a Flight Model |
| Applicable Export Regulation | EAR99 |
| Mass | 500 g |
| Dimensions | 98 x 98 x 98 mm |
| Form Factor | 1/3 U |
| Idle Power Consumption | < 1 W |
| Max Efficiency Power Consumption | 15 W |
| Max Performance Power Consumption | 25 W |
| Input Voltage | 9 to 12 VDC |
| Module | Nvidia Jetson TX2i |
| GPU | 256-Core Pascal (Jetson TX2i) |
| CPU | Quad-Core ARM Cortex A57 |
| CPU | Dual-Core Denver 2 |
| Video Codec | H.264 |
| Video Codec | H.265 |
| Video Codec | MPEG1/2/4 |
| Memory | 8 GB of 128-bit DRAM with ECC |
| Storage | 32 GB eMMC |
| Storage | microSD card default 64 GB |
| Storage | M.2 2280 SSD default 1 TB |
| Memory | 512 kb EEPROM |
| Interface | 1000BASE-T |
| Interface | 3x RS-422 UART, RS-485 compatible |
| Interface | Two 1 Mbps |
| Interface | 1x USB3.0 SuperSpeed |
| Interface | 2x USB2.0 Hi-Speed |
| Interface | RS-422 PPS, hardware |
| Interface | 4 buffered GPIOs |
| Debug interfaces | JTAG, Recovery USB, RS-232 |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to 60C |
| Storage Temperature Range | -55C to 85C |
| Environmental Qualification | GSFC-STD-7000 |
| Radiation | Minimum 5-year LEO mission |
Kestrel is a data processing system designed for CubeSats and small satellites.
With the NVIDIA Jetson TX2i module at its core, the Kestrel adds massive parallel computing capability as well as high-performance CPUs. Colossus’s design adds extra storage, including a standard microSD card and M.2 2280 SSD slot. By default, these are populated with validated, industrial-grade options. Gigabit Ethernet is available for high-speed connectivity, as well as other common interfaces.
Colossus’s design provides protection and telemetry circuits for routine monitoring, as well as fault detection and isolation. Each subsystem is protected with a resettable eFuse circuit to mitigate the effects of radiation. Data is protected with Error Correction Codes (ECC) for RAM and the large capacity non-violate memory allows the storage of multiple copies of key files.