Intel has introduced Starfire, a new space-grade system-on-chip designed to help satellites and spacecraft process data and run AI workloads onboard.
The chip marks Intel’s latest push into space computing, where satellite operators, defense agencies, and commercial space companies need more powerful processors that can work under strict size, weight, power, and radiation limits.
According to SpaceNews, Starfire is built to support onboard data processing and AI workloads. That matters because many spacecraft still send large amounts of data back to Earth for processing, which can add latency and limit what a satellite can do in real time.
Intel’s own Starfire material describes the chip as designed for space-grade survivability, advanced AI performance, and size, weight, and power constraints.
Reports said Starfire combines CPU, GPU, and NPU capabilities in one package. Tom’s Hardware reported that the chip pairs eight CPU cores and a three-tile NPU built on Intel 18A with an Intel 3 graphics tile using Intel’s Foveros packaging.
The chip reportedly comes in two versions. One is a lower-power 10W model, while the higher-performance version reaches 35W and up to 75 TOPS of AI performance. Both are designed to operate across a wide temperature range, from -55 degrees Celsius to 125 degrees Celsius.
TechSpot reported that Starfire’s combined CPU, GPU, and NPU setup is meant to let satellites and other spacecraft process more data onboard, reducing dependence on ground-based systems.
That is becoming more important as newer spacecraft carry better sensors, more cameras, and more advanced payloads. Instead of simply collecting information and waiting for ground stations to analyze it, future satellites may need to detect events, prioritize data, adjust operations, and make faster decisions while still in orbit.
NASA has also pointed to the broader need for stronger spaceflight computing. In a recent update on its own next-generation processor work, the agency said future missions need more computing power to support autonomous spacecraft, faster data analysis, and missions to the Moon and Mars.
Starfire is not yet a fully proven spaceflight product. Tom’s Hardware noted that Intel’s radiation data is still listed as characterization in process, meaning qualification work remains part of the path before the chip can be trusted for missions.
Still, the timing is notable. Space computing is moving away from older, low-performance processors toward newer chips that can support AI at the edge. For Intel, Starfire also gives the company a way to show how its advanced process technology and U.S.-based manufacturing could fit into aerospace, defense, and government systems.
The announcement also drew attention on social media. SpaceNews shared the story on X and Facebook, while other tech accounts highlighted Starfire’s 18A process, AI capability, and ability to operate in extreme space environments.
Intel is expected to begin sampling Starfire in the third quarter of 2026. If the chip clears the required testing and qualification steps, it could become part of a new generation of onboard computing hardware for satellites and other space systems.
via: SpaceNews | Intel | Tom’s Hardware | TechSpot | NASA | SpaceNews on X
