Setanta Space Systems, an Irish space technology start-up, has announced its official launch to develop novel modular onboard computing hardware and artificial intelligence software designed to make spacecraft more autonomous, resilient and capable, according to Engineers Ireland.

Founded by engineers with backgrounds in European Space Agency missions, launch vehicle systems and flight-ready embedded software, the company addresses persistent limitations in modern spacecraft computing. Whilst satellites generate increasing data volumes and operate in complex environments, much of today's avionics relies on legacy architectures that constrain autonomy and require heavy dependence on ground operations.

James Murphy, founder and chief technology officer, said the company believes spacecraft need to be smarter. "Our goal is to provide the hardware and software foundation that enables true onboard autonomy, from health monitoring and anomaly detection to perception and real-time data processing," he stated. Intelligence should be built into every mission from day one.

Headquartered at NovaUCD in Dublin, Setanta Space is building its product line around a modular hardware concept allowing computing subsystems to be integrated, upgraded or reconfigured without redesigning entire spacecraft avionics stacks. This design philosophy intends to shorten development cycles and give mission designers greater flexibility as requirements evolve.

The company's roadmap includes scalable onboard computers, radiation-tolerant vision sensors and a software platform for developing and deploying artificial intelligence workloads across flight hardware. Over the coming year, Setanta Space plans to deliver early development kits and pilot projects with customers, expand partnerships with European and international integrators, and participate in ESA and EU innovation programmes.

Founding team members include Adam Taylor, Jake O'Brien and Tomas Chester, bringing experience spanning spacecraft electronics, embedded systems, FPGA design and applied machine learning.

Read complete coverage of Setanta Space's technology development and mission objectives in the full article.