Aethero —Aethero builds radiation-hardened computers to process data in orbit.

At Aethero, our vision is to redefine humanity’s engagement with space through pioneering autonomous AI and advanced computing technologies. We strive to transform how space missions operate by enabling true in-orbit intelligence that reduces reliance on ground control while expanding operational capabilities.

Our mission drives us to create the next generation of radiation-hardened, space-grade computing platforms that seamlessly integrate advanced AI/ML for real-time data processing, decision-making, and autonomous system control. By pushing the frontiers of space computing, we empower new paradigms in Earth observation, on-orbit servicing, and space station autonomy.

Through innovation and deep technical expertise, we are building the foundational infrastructure for a future where autonomous spacecraft and satellite platforms not only enhance national security and commercial ventures but also unlock transformative possibilities for humanity’s presence in space.

When we first heard about Aethero, we'll admit we did a double-take. A startup building AI-powered supercomputers for space? In an era where everyone's talking about edge computing on Earth, these folks are literally taking it to the edge of our atmosphere.

The San Francisco-based company is tackling something genuinely hard: creating radiation-hardened computers that can think for themselves in the harsh environment of space. We're not talking about your typical satellite components here — Aethero's Edge Computing Modules are designed to handle everything from machine vision to software-defined radio processing while floating in orbit.

What Got Our Attention

The timing feels spot-on. As satellite constellations grow and space missions become more complex, the old model of beaming everything back to ground control for processing is starting to look pretty antiquated. Aethero's bet is that spacecraft need to make smart decisions on their own, in real-time.

Their approach isn't just about faster processors — it's about creating autonomous satellite platforms that can analyze data, make decisions, and adapt without waiting for instructions from Earth. For missions involving Earth observation or on-orbit servicing, those extra minutes (or hours) of communication delay can be the difference between success and failure.

The Technical Reality Check

Building computers for space isn't like building them for your laptop. Cosmic radiation can literally flip bits in memory, and there's no IT department to call when things go wrong. Aethero's partnership with Cosmic Shielding Corporation suggests they're taking the radiation-hardening challenge seriously — because in space, one stray cosmic ray can ruin your entire mission.

We're impressed by their focus on High Performance Computing clusters specifically designed for space applications. It's one thing to make a computer survive in space; it's another to make it powerful enough to run AI workloads while doing so.

Who This Really Serves

Aethero is clearly targeting two key markets: defense contractors and commercial space companies. Both segments are dealing with increasingly sophisticated missions that demand real-time processing power. Think autonomous docking maneuvers, real-time threat detection, or processing thousands of Earth observation images without sending them all back home first.

Their $8.4 million in seed funding (raised in 2025) suggests investors see real potential here. That's solid backing for what's essentially a deep-tech hardware play in a notoriously difficult market. The space industry has burned through plenty of ambitious startups, but Aethero seems to have the technical focus and financial runway to make a real run at this opportunity.