Sidus Space advances its Fortis next-generation command and data handling (C&DH) system

Sidus Space has announced continued advancements to its Fortis Command and Data Handling (C&DH) platform, a modular 3U OpenVPX system designed to support rapid development, configuration flexibility, and long-term scalability across next-generation space and defense missions.

Supported by a strategic collaboration with Microchip Technology, a broadline supplier of semiconductors, Fortis leverages Microchip's space-grade, flight proven technologies to accelerate system development by reducing integration complexity and enabling faster transitions from design to mission ready architectures, with the flexibility to deploy commercial or radiation hardened components based on mission assurance requirements.

Fortis is a modular Command and Data Handling (C&DH) system built on a 3U OpenVPX architecture and aligned with Sensor Open System Architecture (SOSA) and Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) standards. Designed to support rapid development and long‑term scalability, Fortis integrates radiation‑tolerant processing, high‑speed data interfaces, and modular payload configuration to enable resilient mission operations across space, airborne, maritime, and terrestrial domains. The platform incorporates flight‑proven insights from three Sidus‑designed and operated LizzieSat satellite missions, informing system performance, data throughput requirements, and multi‑sensor integration.

"Fortis reflects our strategy to deliver scalable platforms that evolve with customer needs," said Carol Craig, Founder and CEO of Sidus Space. "This approach strengthens Sidus' position across commercial and government space and defense markets."

The core Microchip solutions that are integrated into Fortis include PolarFire FPGAs, space- and defense-grade processors, precision timing modules, and high‑reliability networking components, delivering predictable performance, power efficiency, and a robust security posture.

"By combining a broad space-qualified portfolio with scalable solutions, Microchip is helping make space commercialization and exploration more accessible," said Leon Gross, corporate vice president of Microchip's aerospace and defense business unit. "We congratulate Sidus Space on developing its advanced Fortis platform and are pleased they partnered with us to leverage our technologies for their innovative design."

The Fortis platform includes innovative Single-Board Computer (SBC) and Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) modules designed to deliver secure, high-throughput edge processing in contested and remote environments. These capabilities are core to the platform architecture and support long-term scalability under SOSA/MOSA standards.