Distributed Processing Nodes
Distributed Processing Node Network
The Distributed Processing Node Network comprises subsystem-level local controllers that provide edge computing and autonomous control within the Lunar Ark command and data handling system. Processing data directly at sensor interfaces reduces central processing loads and data bus bandwidth requirements, while hot-standby nodes and consensus algorithms eliminate single points of failure. In the lunar environment, every distributed node requires localized thermal management and radiation-hardened processors capable of functioning under reduced power budgets during the lunar night. Distributing these discrete computing units across separate Ark modules provides essential spatial redundancy against localized physical damage over the system's 100-year operational lifetime.
Local controllers per subsystem providing edge computing and autonomous local control
Purpose
Provide local processing and control for each subsystem reducing central processor load
Context
Component of L1-CDH within the Lunar Ark system
Principles
- ▸Distributed computing reduces single-point-of-failure risk through spatial redundancy
- ▸Edge processing at sensor locations reduces data bus bandwidth requirements
- ▸Consensus algorithms ensure distributed nodes agree on system state
- ▸Hot-standby nodes enable transparent failover without service interruption
Typical implementations
- ▸ISS Multiplexer-Demultiplexer (MDM) distributed I/O architecture
- ▸CubeSat distributed processing using COTS ARM processors
- ▸Automotive AUTOSAR distributed ECU architecture (adapted for space)
- ▸FPGA-based reconfigurable processing nodes for in-flight reprogramming
Lunar considerations
- ▸Radiation-hardened processors required at each distributed node
- ▸Thermal management needed for each processing node location
- ▸Physical distribution across Ark modules provides spatial redundancy against localized damage
- ▸Must operate during lunar night with reduced power budget
Specifications
Functional
| primary function | Provide local processing and control for each subsystem reducing central processor load |
Operational
| thermal range c | -173, 127 |
| lifetime years | 100 |
Interfaces
Provides
- Distributed sensor data and local processing results
Requires
- Network connectivity between distributed nodes
- Power for each distributed node (~5-10W each)
Decomposes into
Cite this entry
Lunar Ark Codex. "Distributed Processing Nodes" (L2-CDH-DIST). Retrieved 10 September 2026, from https://lunarark.com/entry/L2-CDH-DIST
Licensed CC-BY-SA 4.0. You may reuse and adapt this entry with attribution, under the same licence.