Mobilint said on Oct. 8 that two AI computation-focused neural processing unit (NPU) boards based on its REGULUS semiconductor have been mounted on BEE-1012, a secondary payload satellite on the fifth Nuri launch. It said this marks the first time an NPU designed and developed by a South Korean company has been installed on a satellite.

BEE-1012 is Spacelintec’s space biopharmaceutical demonstration satellite. On the satellite, boards made by Mobilint were installed for satellite condition analysis in cooperation with KAI and Funzin, and for protein crystal growth observation and image analysis in cooperation with Spacelintec. Mobilint said it handled not only chip supply but also board production tailored to the mission and integration with AI software.

The satellite condition analysis board runs an AI model that analyzes satellite status data. It processes computations to detect anomalies and identify their causes, helping the satellite respond to failures on its own and make operational decisions. The protein crystal board analyzes crystal growth images taken in a microgravity environment. The goal is to assess growth status and use the results to adjust experimental conditions and select needed data.

The two boards operate based on onboard AI that analyzes data directly on the satellite. With limited time to communicate with ground stations, the satellite can analyze data first and transmit only the required information, reducing transmission volume and the time needed to make decisions.

Mobilint said it plans to secure actual operational data by confirming that the NPU boards and AI models operate normally in orbit in a satellite environment with limited power and communications, and use it to develop high-reliability edge AI products and systems suited to space conditions. It also supported board design and production, testing, AI model integration and stabilization of communications with the satellite’s internal control computer. It plans to confirm normal operation of the boards during the satellite’s initial operation phase with its partners, then check in stages the results of in-orbit AI function tests and mission data processing.

Mobilint CEO Dong-ju Shin (신동주) said, "In space, it is important not only to send collected data to the ground but also to analyze and make decisions on site." He added, "Using this installation as a starting point, we will secure actual operational data for domestically made AI semiconductors and advance the technologies needed by customers seeking to apply AI in environments with limited power and communications, including space."