EDGX launches first in-orbit demonstration of its AI computing system on SpaceX Transporter-16

Co-founders Nick Destrycker, CEO and Wouter Benoot, CTO.

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.

“We believe the next phase of the space industry will be defined by compute in orbit. This mission is the first step in building that infrastructure, turning satellites into intelligent, software-defined systems capable of processing data where it is generated. EDGX is building the compute layer of the space economy.”

By bringing NVIDIA-class compute performance into space, EDGX enables a new generation of software-defined satellites capable of running advanced AI workloads, from Earth observation analytics to real-time signal intelligence, directly where the data is generated. This reduces latency, cuts bandwidth usage, and supports faster decision-making for operators on the ground.

This capability eliminates the traditional bottleneck of sending massive raw datasets to Earth for processing, enabling satellite operators to deliver faster, more efficient, and data-driven services. In defence scenarios for example, this translates into a real operational advantage: reducing the time between detection and action on the battlefield and enabling more responsive ISR and SIGINT capabilities.

Co-founder and CTO Wouter Benoot commented on the technology behind EDGX: “NVIDIA built the Jetson Orin silicon to push AI performance at the edge. We went one step further, put it in orbit and gave it a harder job: process as much as possible with whatever power and thermal budget the orbit allows, which changes constantly. STERNA scales dynamically between 10 and 45 watts to keep workloads running optimally through every pass. It works with the environment to boost productivity of compute onboard satellites.” “This first mission is about execution. We've built, tested, and now deployed our first systems in orbit. The next step is scaling, delivering reliable compute capacity in space and making it accessible to customers. That's how we move from technology to infrastructure.”

Beyond hardware, EDGX is also building a new operational model: compute-as-a-service in orbit. Following in-orbit validation, customers will be able to upload their own software, process data directly in space, and downlink only relevant results. This model lays the groundwork for future space-based data centres and scalable orbital computing infrastructure. Two pilot projects are already scheduled to begin in 2026.

EDGX is positioning itself as a leading European player in this emerging domain. The company has delivered more than 30 flight-ready compute units, private funding from imec.istart, imec Future Fund, and PMV, and benefits from strong institutional support from ESA, the European Commission, and the Belgian Ministry of Defence. It is actively working with both commercial and defence partners, positioning itself as a compute partner for Belgian and European constellations.

EDGX is also ramping up production of its STERNA systems while already preparing the next generation of its computing platform. Additional in-orbit missions are planned as the company continues to expand across commercial and defence markets.