HPE to deploy AI and high-performance computing on the Moon

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has announced plans to deploy its Spaceborne Computer-4 (SBC-4) to the lunar surface to support artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) tasks. The module is designed to operate in the extreme environments of the Moon, utilizing a fanless, liquid-cooled structure with low-power CPUs, GPUs, and Kioxia SSD storage.

The mission is scheduled for late 2026 as part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative. The SBC-4 will be integrated into Astrolab’s FLIP rover, which will be transported to the lunar south pole by Voyager Technologies’ Griffin-1 lander.

By processing data locally on the lunar surface, the system aims to reduce reliance on the time-delayed communication link with Earth. This “edge of the edge” computing approach will allow for real-time data analysis, such as vision reasoning, LiDAR processing for mapping, and autonomous navigation, which are critical for the development of a future lunar economy and sustained human exploration.