KP Labs Launches Smart Mission Lab: A New Standard for Space Technology Development and Validation

Validating AI-driven software and onboard processing for space applications has long been hindered by costly hardware procurement, limited access to space-grade DPUs, and lengthy lead time. Engineers often face high upfront costs, unpredictable edge processing outcomes and uncertain trade-offs, making it difficult to acquire the most suitable DPU for the specific mission requirements. The variety of available computing units adds another challenge—without early testing and validation, teams may struggle to determine which configuration best supports their project. Smart Mission Lab streamlines AI and edge processing validation in space by offering rapid remote access to a secure testing environment. Engineers can develop and deploy AI models on real KP Labs’ DPUs, comparing different processing architectures to ensure their software solutions are optimised for the target environment. By simulating real mission constraints, the platform enables users to analyse execution time, power consumption, and fault tolerance while receiving real-time feedback. This allows teams to fine-tune their software in hours rather than weeks, significantly improving mission readiness and accelerating validation.

Making Space Missions More Efficient
Smart Mission Lab provides a secure and controlled environment for AI and data processing development, ensuring that engineers can safely test and optimise their software without the risks associated with real space missions. Unlike traditional testing approaches that require months of procurement and configuration, Smart Mission Lab grants users access to its space-grade DPUs within 48 hours, significantly accelerating mission development. By offering a dedicated infrastructure, the platform allows teams to work in a stable environment that mirrors real mission conditions while maintaining full control over system variables. This ensures that AI models and edge processing algorithms are evaluated under consistent and repeatable conditions, allowing for precise performance benchmarking and optimisation before deployment.

Smart Mission Lab is part of KP Labs’ broader vision for advancing space technology, drawing from the company’s extensive experience in satellite missions and on-board data processing initiatives.

Who Benefits from Smart Mission Lab?
Smart Mission Lab serves a broad range of space industry professionals by accelerating edge processing development and testing. 
- Satellite integrators and mission operators can validate AI-driven decision-making before launch, minimising risks and improving mission reliability. 
- Earth Observation and remote sensing companies can refine hyperspectral and multispectral data processing for in-orbit execution, ensuring efficient data transfer to the ground stations.
- Algorithm developers gain a testing ground to deploy and optimise various models under real mission constraints, securing seamless integration into autonomous space systems.

More than just a testing environment, Smart Mission Lab also helps teams make informed investment decisions by allowing them to experiment different KP Labs DPUs before committing to a purchase. This ensures compatibility, AI performance optimisation, and allows engineers to select the most suitable computing solution for their mission requirements.

Available Now Developed as part of the ESA InCubed Programme, Smart Mission Lab is now available, allowing engineers and mission planners to validate their AI models and onboard computing systems immediately. More information about Smart Mission Lab, including details on supported workflows and technical specifications, can be found on the official website.