Enabling in-orbit AI by MSP/Plasteel conformal/spot shielding of COTS based electronics to support ISR sensor data processing applications

Space is an incredibly challenging environment, characterized by extreme temperature fluctuations, vacuum conditions, debris, micro-meteoroids, atomic oxygen in low Earth orbits (LEOs), and high levels of ionizing radiation. Radiation risks vary depending on the orbit: LEO poses proton radiation challenges, while geostationary orbits (GEOs) are primarily affected by electron radiation. Additionally, there are factors like Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCRs) and sporadic solar particle events (SPE) that add to the complexity. The radiation environment in these orbits, which includes trapped electrons, protons, heavier ions, and some neutrons resulting from proton collisions with the atmosphere, can inflict severe damage to both electronic systems and human health on satellites, spacecraft, or space stations. In recent years, the space industry has seen significant growth in the adoption of Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) technologies, robust computing capabilities, and demand for resilient subsystems that operate reliably over extended durations without significant degradation.   In recent years, the LEO space economy has grown by 60% with a current valuation around $400B. Continued growth is dependent on the adoption of OSAM technologies, the availability of high-powered compute capability using COTS electronics, and resilient and scalable subsystems that can operate reliably for extended durations without significant degradation. COTS components benefit from a large and resilient supply chain as well as dramatic performance benefits and strategic capabilities offered by modern electronic hardware such as edge compute, AI & machine vision capability, OSAM. However, COTS components require radiation shielding and error correction techniques to be safely and reliably used in space.