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.

Specifications
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
Documents