Sidus Space launches Fortis™ VPX: A ruggedized, AI-powered 3U OpenVPX module supporting complex missions from sea to space

Sidus Space has launched Fortis™ VPX, a ruggedized, modular, SOSA™ aligned computing system engineered for high-reliability command and data handling (C&DH), advanced artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) processing, and precision navigation in extreme environments. The Fortis™ line of products establishes a new cornerstone in Sidus’ expanding portfolio of space-qualified and defense-grade technologies, designed to support the increasing demand for edge computing across commercial and government sectors.

Fortis™ VPX provides the scalable digital backbone needed to accelerate mission development timelines, reduce integration complexity, and support software-defined operations. Leveraging an open architecture and industry-standard 3U VPX form factor, Fortis™ is built for rapid integration into a range of applications across maritime, land, space, and airborne domains.

“Fortis™ VPX is a force multiplier for AI-driven mission systems,” said Carol Craig, CEO of Sidus Space. “Its modularity, computing power, and SOSA™ aligned compatibility enables customers to quickly adapt to evolving mission requirements while reducing total lifecycle costs.”

Strategic Alignment & Market Relevance

With integrated AI/ML processing, secure navigation, and robust C&DH capabilities, Fortis™ VPX is positioned at the intersection of defense modernization, commercial space infrastructure, and autonomous systems development. The systems’ modularity and dual-use applicability support a broad spectrum of use cases across satellite constellations, tactical ground systems, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms.

Alignment with the SOSA™ Technical Standard and Sidus’ proprietary IP supports recurring revenue opportunities through both system sales and service-based contracts across defense, aerospace, maritime, and commercial end uses.

Why Fortis™ VPX Is Like No Other

• Proven AI in Space Since 2023: Sidus Space leads the edge-computing revolution in orbit, with operational AI deployment in 2023, positioning Sidus as one of the earliest entrants with heritage in space-qualified AI/Edge platforms

• Capturing VPX Market Momentum: Fortis™ VPX targets the rapidly growing market and expanding requirements for autonomous, edge-deployed intelligence in defense and aerospace sectors

• Strategic Focus on Edge AI Capabilities: Engineered to enable autonomous, low-latency AI processing at the edge, Fortis™ VPX meets the surging demand for near real-time intelligence across multiple domains

• Smart, Software-Defined Payload Architecture: Fortis™ combines VPX single board computers (SBC) with FeatherEdge™ AI to enable dynamic, software-defined payloads capable of adapting to changing mission parameters across domains

• Multi-Domain, Modular Platform: Designed for seamless deployment across all operational domains: 

  • Air: Tactical UAV systems

  • Sea: Underwater autonomous vehicles  

  • Land: ISR ground systems and mobile C2 nodes

  • Space: Radiation-hardened VPX AI payloads 

• Spaceflight Heritage: Our FeatherEdge™ AI system, now integrated with Fortis™, has achieved Technology Readiness with LizzieSat™-3, demonstrating full mission qualification in orbit

• Scalable, Agile Manufacturing: Sidus combines vertical integration with rapid manufacturing processes to deliver Fortis™ VPX at scale

“The recent launch of China’s first AI-focused satellite, part of a planned 2,800-satellite constellation, signals a global acceleration in edge AI computing,” said Val Ojdanic, Chief Technology Officer at Sidus Space. “Fortis™ VPX is built to meet this demand with the scalability, ruggedization, and AI readiness required to power next-generation infrastructure across domains.”