The Launch That Made History
At 12:07 PM EST, Northrop Grumman's NG-20 cargo mission thundered off the launch pad at Wallops Flight Facility, carrying something extraordinary in its payload bay. Among the scientific experiments and crew supplies, were 130 terabytes of cutting-edge storage from Kioxia, technology destined to revolutionise how we process data in space.
This wasn't just another resupply mission. It was the beginning of a new era in space computing.
Solving the Space Storage Challenge
Space storage has traditionally meant choosing between capacity and reliability. Radiation-hardened drives typically offer limited capacity—often under 500GB—while providing the durability needed for space environments. Commercial drives offer much higher capacity but weren't designed for the harsh conditions of space.
Kioxia's approach uses commercial-grade SSDs with enhanced reliability features specifically optimised for space applications.
Current Performance:
- 130TB total storage capacity across 16 drives
- Multiple drive types for different workload requirements
- Continuous operation for over 18 months with no failures
- Significant processing speed improvements over Earth-based alternatives
SpaceX NG-20 Launch: Courtesy of NASA
The Technology Behind the Success
The drives use Kioxia's BiCS FLASH 3D NAND technology, which provides several advantages for space applications:
218-Layer 3D Architecture
Memory cells are stacked vertically rather than spread horizontally, creating more robust storage that better withstands radiation and temperature extremes.
CBA (CMOS Bonded Array) Technology
Memory arrays and control circuits are manufactured separately and then bonded together, optimising each component independently for better performance and reliability.
Advanced Error Correction
Built-in algorithms can detect and correct multiple bit errors per data sector, providing automatic data integrity protection.
Real Applications and Results
The storage systems support various research and operational activities on the ISS:
Scientific Data Processing
Research data that previously required hours to download and process on Earth can now be analysed onboard in minutes, with results compressed and transmitted quickly.
AI and Machine Learning
The systems run machine learning models for protein crystal analysis, plant growth optimisation, and astronaut health monitoring directly on the station.
Earth Observation
Satellite imagery and Earth observation data can be processed in real-time, enabling faster analysis for applications like disaster response.
Storage Configuration and Performance
System Components
- 4x PM6 Series Enterprise SSDs → 30.72TB each (bulk data storage)
- 8x XG6 Series NVMe SSDs → 1TB each (high-performance applications)
- 4x RM7 Series Value SSDs → 960GB each (general storage needs)
Key Specifications
- Total capacity: 130+ terabytes
- Power efficiency: 60% improvement over previous generation
- Operating temperature range: -40°C to +85°C
- Radiation tolerance: Designed to handle space environment levels
NG-20 PCM Lift: Courtesy of NASA
From Flash Memory Pioneer to Space Applications
Kioxia's path to space storage builds on decades of flash memory development:
Company Timeline:
- 1987: NAND flash memory technology developed at Toshiba
- 2019: Toshiba Memory becomes Kioxia Corporation
- 2023: Partnership established with HPE for space applications
- 2024: Successful ISS deployment and ongoing operation
The company leverages its position as a leading NAND flash manufacturer to adapt proven terrestrial technology for space environments.
Operational Success
The storage systems have been operating continuously since deployment, handling the demanding requirements of space-based computing. The solid-state design eliminates mechanical components that would be vulnerable to the vibrations and thermal cycling experienced in orbit.
Daily telemetry confirms the systems continue operating within normal parameters, validating the approach of using commercial technology with space-optimized features.
Industry Impact and Future Applications
This deployment demonstrates that commercial storage technology can meet space requirements while providing significantly higher capacity than traditional space-hardened solutions. This approach has implications for:
- Upcoming satellite constellations requiring cost-effective, high-capacity storage
- Deep space missions where data storage and processing capabilities are critical
- Commercial space applications that need reliable, high-performance storage
- Future space infrastructure including potential lunar and Mars missions
Courtesy of NASA
Technical Specifications
PM6 Series Enterprise
- Capacity: 30.72TB per drive
- Interface: SAS 12Gb/s
- Endurance: 1 DWPD for 5 years
- Power consumption: 25W maximum
XG6 Series NVMe
- Capacity: 1TB per drive
- Interface: PCIe 3.0 x4
- Read performance: Up to 3,180 MB/s
- Power consumption: 7W maximum
RM7 Series Value
- Capacity: 960GB per drive
- Interface: SAS 12Gb/s
- MTBF: 2 million hours
- Power consumption: 11W maximum
The ISS deployment continues to demonstrate the viability of commercial storage technology in space environments, supporting ongoing research and operations while providing valuable data for future space storage applications.
