Belgian spacetech EDGX has successfully launched its first in-orbit demonstration of STERNA, an AI-powered edge computer for satellite constellations aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-16 mission.
With two hosted payloads now in orbit, EDGX enables real-time data processing directly in space, a critical capability for next-generation satellite constellations across commercial, governmental, and defence applications.
Through STERNA, the company brings high-performance, NVIDIA-based processing directly onboard satellites, allowing data to be analysed in orbit rather than relying solely on ground infrastructure. STERNA is an NVIDIA-powered computing platform, designed to run high-performance workloads directly in orbit. Engineered for real in-orbit constraints, it dynamically scales power between 10W and 45W, ensuring continuous data processing under varying power and thermal conditions. The system is designed for long-term reliability, with a target operational lifetime of 7 years in orbit.
The news is a key milestone for Europe’s space-based computing infrastructure and follows a €2.3 million seed funding round in June 2025 when EDGX also signed a €1.1M commercial contract with an anchor customer.
Commenting on the news, EDGX CEO Nick Destrycker said: “This launch marks a key milestone for EDGX and for Europe’s position in space-based computing. By bringing high-performance compute directly into orbit, we’re enabling satellites to move from data collection platforms to real-time decision-making systems. Our focus is simple: deliver reliable, scalable compute infrastructure in space, and this mission is the first step.
