ZAITRA and Xiphos Partner to Bring Advanced AI Processing to Small Satellites

ZAITRA and Xiphos Join Forces to Boost Onboard AI for Small Satellites

Salt Lake City, UT – 08/11/2025 – At the recent Small Satellite Conference in Utah, ZAITRA and Xiphos announced a collaboration aimed at improving onboard AI capabilities for small satellite developers. Combining ZAITRA’s AI-driven onboard software with Xiphos’ high-performance compute modules, the partnership focuses on enabling smarter, more autonomous space missions.

Introducing SKAIDOCK: Advanced Onboard Processing

One key product from this cooperation is SKAIDOCK, a space-qualified Data Processing Unit (DPU) developed by ZAITRA. It’s built around the Xiphos Q8 module, which uses the Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC. SKAIDOCK is flight-proven, CubeSat-compatible, and offers powerful onboard processing with reliable, plug-and-play integration for imager payloads. Earlier this year, it successfully operated onboard the TROLL satellite, demonstrating real-world performance in orbit.

Enhancing AI Capabilities Directly in Space

This collaboration lets ZAITRA deploy more sophisticated AI models in orbit, leveraging the computing strengths of the Q8 module and the upcoming Versal-based Q9. These modules support advanced tasks like real-time object detection, change detection, and data-heavy analytics, all processed onboard without waiting for ground commands.

Marek Marusin, CEO of ZAITRA, points out, “Working with Xiphos provides us the computing power and hardware reliability needed to confidently run advanced AI solutions in space.”

Xiphos Expands Its Reach in AI-Enabled Satellites

For Xiphos, the partnership opens doors to the growing market of AI-powered onboard data processing in Earth observation and in-orbit servicing missions. By integrating Q-boards into ZAITRA’s flight-proven payloads, Xiphos extends its presence into missions requiring high autonomy and onboard decision-making.

Edwin Faier, President of Xiphos Systems, adds, “ZAITRA’s proven ability to design tailored hardware/software around Xiphos processors broadens how we meet customer needs globally. Our processors can also support ZAITRA’s AI software on payload computers and onboard computers (OBCs).”

A Complete Solution for Satellite Operators

The combined ZAITRA-Xiphos offering delivers a turnkey onboard processing package that helps satellite integrators and mission owners in multiple ways:

• Faster mission deployment with pre-integrated hardware and software
• Reduced development risk through space-qualified, flight-proven units
• Lower downlink costs by processing and filtering data before transmission
• Increased mission autonomy via AI-driven decision-making onboard
• Real-time data delivery for time-sensitive applications

ZAITRA’s SKAISEN software complements this by providing onboard AI for object detection and selective data compression. It helps reduce transmission of low-value or cloud-obscured images and prioritize critical information, supporting quick event responses. SKAISEN runs efficiently on the Q8 module and will be optimized for the upcoming Q9, which promises higher computational throughput for AI-intensive missions.

About ZAITRA

Founded in 2020 in the Czech Republic, ZAITRA develops AI-powered onboard software and space-grade Data Processing Units based on Xiphos modules. Their solutions enable real-time data processing in orbit, reducing reliance on ground stations. In 2024, ZAITRA raised €1.7M in pre-seed funding, with products already flying on multiple commercial missions. Learn more at www.zaitra.io.

About Xiphos

Xiphos specializes in high-performance, radiation-tolerant embedded computing systems built from commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components for space use. With hundreds of units launched in commercial, scientific, and government missions, Xiphos supports a global customer base. In 2023, Epiq Solutions acquired Xiphos. Visit www.xiphos.com for details.