Space computing infrastructure startup Ramon Space Inc. said today it has closed on a $26 million funding round.

The money comes from the computer server maker Ingrasys Technology Inc., a subsidiary of Foxconn Technology Group, and the Strategic Development Fund of Abu Dhabi. Existing investors Grove Ventures, Deep Insight and UMC Capital also participated in the round.

Ramon.Space, as the startup is known, is the creator of various software-based computing hardware for the space industry. It builds equipment that enables satellites and spacecraft to store, process and analyze vast amounts of data in orbit and connect with Earth-based systems. It says its hardware can help to power a new generation of data-driven applications and services in space, leveraging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

Satellites can benefit from highly customized computing infrastructure because space is an especially tough environment to operate in. Not only must their computing hardware be powerful, but it must also be extremely resilient, lightweight and use minimal power.

Ramon.Space has therefore created a number of modular products for space-based data storage, data processing and communications, named NuStream, NuPod and NuBox. Those systems are designed from the ground up to operate in the uniquely harsh conditions of space, featuring “radiation-hardened” technology to support reliable and long-term missions.

Ramon.Space Chief Executive Avi Shabtai said there’s a growing demand from satellite manufacturers, operators and service providers for its space-capable computing hardware, as those organizations strive to maintain the agility of services in orbit. Going forward, Ramon.Space intends to scale up its operations in order to commercialize its space-resilient computing platform. As part of that plan, lead investor Ingrasys has also entered into a strategic agreement with Ramon.Space to manufacture its systems globally.

“This new investment will allow Ramon.Space to scale its organization to meet market needs,” Shabtai said.

Ingrasys CEO Benjamin Ting explained it’s a natural step for his company to expand into space-based computing infrastructure. “Space computing is the foundation to leverage the infinite potential of space and we recognized that investing and partnering to manufacture Ramon.Space products was the perfect strategic move as they are the leader in this field,” he said.

Constellation Research Inc. analyst Holger Mueller said space is one of the most challenging environments for computers and requires highly specialized hardware to operate there effectively. “We need better compute platforms for this environment and the progress is being made in the startup corner, with Ramon.Space one of the most interesting prospects,” he said.

Space-based computing startups have indeed made a lot of headlines recently, suggesting a growing interest in this emerging industry. In April, for example, the space security startup True Anomaly Inc. exited stealth mode as it announced a $30 million investment to build out software that will protect both commercial and military space assets.

Later that month, Kepler Communications Inc. closed on a $92 million Series C funding round to build out its network of satellites that provides real-time and continuous internet connectivity for space assets.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. announced on June 22 that it’s partnering with a startup called Venturi Astrolab Inc. HPE will provide edge computing systems for the startup’s planetary robotic systems, which are intended to aid the exploration of the Moon and Mars.

Image: Ramon.Space