Deep Neural Net and Neuromorphic Processors for In-Space Autonomy and Cognition

The Deep Neural Net and Neuromorphic Processors for In-Space Autonomy and Cognition subtopic is focused on computing advances for the space environment based on neurological models in contrast to von Neumann architectures. Deep neural net and neuromorphic processors can enable a spacecraft to sense, adapt, act and potentially learn from its experiences and from the unknown environment without needing a ground mission operations team. Neuromorphic processing will enable NASA to meet growing demands for applying artificial intelligence and machine inferencing and learning algorithms on board a spacecraft that is energy efficient. These demands include enabling on-board cognitive systems to improve mission communication and data processing capabilities, provide sensory processing onboard to optimize communication bandwidth and latency, enhance computing performance, and reduce memory requirements. Additionally, deep neural net and neuromorphic processors show promise for minimizing power requirements that traditional computing architectures now struggle to meet in space applications.