— Achieving both advanced onboard processing and high reliability to support diverse missions in the New Space era —
November 24, 2025
Space Cubics Inc.
Space Cubics Inc. (Head Office: Sapporo, Hokkaido; CEO: Yasushi Shoji, hereinafter “Space Cubics”), a JAXA startup that develops highly reliable computers designed to operate in space and other extreme environments, today announced “SC-OBC Module V1,” a high-end onboard computer (OBC) for New Space applications. The product is based on the results of joint studies with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
SC-OBC Module V1 adopts AMD Versal Adaptive SoC as its main processor. It is a space computer module that combines the advanced onboard processing capability required by spacecraft that support diverse missions in the New Space era with the reliability needed to operate in the harsh environment of space.
In recent space missions, the amount of data that the OBC must handle has increased dramatically due to the higher performance of onboard sensors. At the same time, constraints on satellite to ground communication bandwidth have made real-time “edge processing” of data in orbit increasingly important. To address these challenges, SC-OBC Module V1 adopts the Versal Adaptive SoC, a heterogeneous platform that integrates a CPU for scalar processing, FPGA for hardware acceleration, and an AI Engine for vector processing. This enables efficient execution of the entire chain of operations, from high-speed input of large volumes of data from optical sensors, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and LiDAR, to edge processing that involves vector computation, and recording to large-capacity storage.
SC-OBC Module V1 is scheduled for official release in spring 2026.
This computer module is also planned for adoption in a next-generation domestically developed lunar lander (Series 3 lander) that is being developed by ispace inc., a space startup engaged in lunar resource development, for a lunar mission currently scheduled for launch in 2028.
A development-stage SC-OBC Module V1 will be exhibited at the 69th Space Science and Technology Conference, held in Sapporo, Japan from November 25 to 28, 2025 (Booth No. C-22).
Key Features of SC-OBC Module V1
High Performance
The FPGA and AI Engine enable high-speed execution of compute-intensive image processing and AI inference workloads. Linux, running on multi-core Cortex-A72 processors, supports compute-heavy applications using a broad ecosystem of open-source software. By leveraging OpenCV and machine learning frameworks, complex algorithms can be rapidly implemented using existing libraries.
High Reliability
A dual core Arm Cortex R5F real-time processing unit (RPU), configured in lockstep mode and running the Zephyr real-time operating system (RTOS), ensures reliable execution of operations that require real time performance and functional safety, such as attitude control and power management.
In addition to the main Versal processor, the module includes a flash-based FPGA, “Microchip IGLOO2,” which has high resistance to single event upsets (SEUs), as a Safety Processor. Built using triple modular redundancy (TMR) logic, this processor performs health monitoring of the Versal device, power cycling control, and monitoring of temperature, voltage, and current, enabling early detection of system anomalies and preventing permanent failures.
Flexibility
By integrating only the essential functions required of an onboard computer into the module itself, mission specific interfaces can be implemented flexibly on a carrier board. This modular approach makes it easier to adapt to different spacecraft and reuse existing software assets
In addition to flight models that have completed reliability testing, cost-effective development models are also available. Both variants maintain software compatibility, helping users reduce development costs and improve overall development efficiency.
Target Spacecraft and Missions
Earth Observation / Remote Sensing Satellites
Supports real-time onboard processing of high-resolution imagery and SAR data, reducing communication load and enabling near-real-time analysis.
Exploration Spacecraft (Planetary / Lunar Missions)
In bandwidth-constrained deep-space environments, data can be processed onboard and only essential results transmitted to Earth.
For detailed specifications, refer to the SC-OBC Module V1 Product Page.
Comment from Takeshi Hakamada, CEO & Founder, ispace inc.
“We are delighted to welcome the announcement by Space Cubics of ‘SC-OBC Module V1,’ a high-end onboard computer for New Space. Space Cubics played an important role in the development of ispace’s Mission 1 and Mission 2, and we are very pleased to see them announce a new product that responds to the needs of the New Space era, based on the results of joint studies with JAXA.
‘SC-OBC Module V1’ combines advanced processing capability with extremely high reliability. It is expected to become a core component in our future lunar missions, where real-time edge processing of large volumes of sensor data is a key factor for success.
ispace highly values the robustness, flexibility, and high processing capability of this advanced space computer and looks forward to further strengthening its collaboration with Space Cubics as we work together to open up a new stage of space development.”
About Space Cubics Inc.
Space Cubics Inc., founded in 2018, is a JAXA startup that designs and develops high reliability computers and avionics for spacecraft and satellites operating in the harsh environment of space. By providing affordable yet reliable space computers, the company works to reduce spacecraft development costs and lower the barrier to entering space development, and has supplied computers for a wide range of missions, including satellites, exploration spacecraft, and space robots.
Rather than depending only on very expensive, fully radiation hardened parts, Space Cubics applies the techniques and know how it has accumulated through many launches and on orbit operations to deliver robust avionics while keeping total system cost under control. This approach helps startups, established companies, and research organizations carry out ambitious space missions without prohibitive avionics costs.
With the mission of creating an era where anyone can go to the Moon, Space Cubics will continue to develop and provide highly reliable space grade computers.
Company Overview
Space Cubics Inc. Established: 2018
Business: Development, manufacturing, and sales of space-grade computers
URL: https://spacecubics.com/
Address: Minami 3-jo Higashi 2-chome 1, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
Representative: CEO Yasushi Shoji
Media Contact
Space Cubics Inc. – Public Relations: Morishima
E-mail: marketing@spacecubics.com
Tel: +81-50-7112-6213