Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

Eye in the Sky With AI: UCSB Initiative Aims to Pulverize Space Threats Using NVIDIA RTX

09/06/2023

When meteor showers occur every few months, viewers get to watch a dazzling scene of shooting stars and light streaks scattering across the night sky.

Normally, meteors are just small pieces of rock and dust from space that quickly burn up upon entering Earth's atmosphere. But the story would take a darker turn if a comet or asteroid is a little too large and heading directly toward Earth's surface with minimal warning time.

Such a scenario is what physics professor Philip Lubin and some of his undergraduates at the University of California, Santa Barbara, are striving to counteract.

The team recently received phase II funding from NASA to explore a new, more practical approach to planetary defense - one that would allow them to detect and mitigate any threats much faster and more efficiently. Their initiative is called PI-Terminal Planetary Defense, with the PI standing for Pulverize It.

To help the team train and speed up the AI and machine learning algorithms they're developing to detect threats that are on a collision course with Earth, NVIDIA, as part of its Applied Research Accelerator Program, has given the group an NVIDIA RTX A6000 graphics card.

Taking AI to the Sky Every day, approximately 100 tons of small debris rain down on Earth, but they quickly disintegrate in the atmosphere with very few surviving to reach the surface. Larger asteroids, however, like those responsible for the craters visible on the moon's surface, pose a real danger to life on Earth.

On average, about every 60 years, an asteroid that's larger than 65 feet in diameter will appear, similar to the one that exploded over Chelyabinsk, Russia, in 2013, with the energy equivalent of about 440,000 tons of TNT, according to NASA.

The PI-Terminal Planetary Defense initiative aims to detect relevant threats sooner, and then use an array of hypervelocity kinetic penetrators to pulverize and disassemble an asteroid or small comet to greatly minimize the threat.

The traditional approach for planetary defense has involved deflecting threats, but Pulverize-It turns to effectively breaking up the asteroid or comet into much smaller fragments, which then burn up in the Earth's atmosphere at high altitudes, causing little ground damage. This allows much more rapid mitigation.

Recognizing threats is the first critical step - this is where Lubin and his students tapped into the power of AI.

Many modern surveys collect massive amounts of astrophysical data, but the speed of data collection is faster than the ability to process and analyze the collected images. Lubin's group is designing a much larger survey specifically for planetary defense that would generate even larger amounts of data that need to be rapidly processed.

Through machine learning, the group trained a neural network called You Only Look Once Darknet. It's a near real-time object detection system that operates in less than 25 milliseconds per image. The group used a large dataset of labeled images to pretrain the neural network, allowing the model to extract low-level, geometric features like lines, edges and circles, and in and in particular threats such as asteroids and comets.

Early results showed that the source extraction through machine learning was up to 10x faster and nearly 3x more accurate than traditional methods.

Lubin and his group accelerated their image analysis process by approximately 100x, with the help of the NVIDIA RTX A6000 GPU, as well as the CUDA parallel computing platform and programming model.

Initially, our pipeline - which aims for real-time image processing - took 10 seconds for our subtraction step, said Lubin. By implementing the NVIDIA RTX A6000, we immediately cut this processing time to 0.15 seconds.

Combining this new computational power with the expanded 48GB of VRAM enabled the team to implement new CuPy-based algorithms, which greatly reduced their subtraction and identification time, allowing the entire pipeline to run in just six seconds.

NVIDIA RTX Brings Meteor Memory One of the group's biggest technical challenges has been meeting the GPU memory requirement, as well as decreasing the run-time of the training processes. As the project grows, Lubin and his students accumulate increasingly large amounts of data for training. But as the datasets expanded, they needed a GPU that could handle the massive file sizes.

The RTX A6000's 48GB of memory allows teams to handle the most complex graphics and datasets without worrying about hindering performance.

Each image will be about 100 megapixels, and we're putting many images inside the memory of the RTX GPU, said Lubin. It helps mitigate the bottleneck of getting data in and out.

https://blogs.nvidia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Copy-2.mp4

The group works on simulations that demonstrate various phases from the project, including the ground effects from shock waves, as well as the optical light pulses from each fragment that burns in the Earth's atmosphere. These simulations are done locally, running on custom-developed codes written in multithreaded, multiprocessor C and Python.

The image processing pipeline for rapid threat detection runs on custom C , Python and CUDA codes using multiple Intel Xeon processors and the NVIDIA RTX A6000 GPU.

Other simulations, like one that features the hypervelocity intercept of the threat fragments, are accomplished using the NASA Advanced Supercomputing (NAS) facility at the NASA Ames Research Center. The facility is constantly upgraded and offers over 13 petaflops of computing performance. These visualizations run on the NAS supercomputers equipped with Intel Xeon CPUs and NVIDIA RTX A6000 GPUs.

Check out some of these simulations on the UCSB Group's Deepspace YouTube channel.

Learn more about the PI-Terminal Planetary Defense project and NVIDIA RTX.
LINK: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/2023/06/09/planetary-defense-rtx/...
See more stories from nvidia

North America Stories

08/05/2025

What to Watch: 6 Sundance Institute-Supported Films by Filipino Directors

A sinister fairy infiltrates a desperate family in Kenneth Dagatan's In My Mother's Skin, which premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. Photo co...

08/05/2025

Managing the Mission: Teaching Technique to C3ISR Operators

For skyward-bound operators, training focuses on the unique aspects of flying ISR missions, including the management of onboard surveillance equipment and the e...

08/05/2025

Cable Industry Backs Broadcasters' Move to Software-Based EAS

The cable industry has told the Federal Communications Commission it supports the National Association of Broadcasters' proposal to allow broadcasters to us...

08/05/2025

CTA Tells FCC: Dont Mandate ATSC 3.0 Tuners

WASHINGTON The Consumer Technology Association has continued its opposition to mandates requiring that NextGen TV/ATSC 3.0 tuners be included in new TV sets, sa...

08/05/2025

TAG Video Systems Appoints Paul Maroni as Vice President...

TAG Video Systems, the leader in software-based IP end-to-end workflow monitoring, deep probing, and real time visualization, has named Paul Maroni as Vice Pres...

08/05/2025

BroadcastAsia 2025 Showcases Best of British Innovation

This year's UK Pavilion in hall 5, once again managed by Tradefair, will provide visitors with the unique opportunity to discuss and be involved in cutting ...

08/05/2025

Rohde & Schwarz to highlight innovative broadcast technol...

Rohde & Schwarz will showcase its latest energy-efficient transmitters and 5G Broadcast technologies, designed to support network operators and content provider...

08/05/2025

Nexstar Appoints Bill Nardi VP of Station Operations

IRVING, Texas Nexstar Media Group has tapped Bill Nardi as vice president of station operations, responsible for overseeing the day-to-day broadcast operations ...

08/05/2025

LumaTouch Partners With CNN Academy on Training

SEATTLE LumaTouch is partnering with CNN Academy to improve mobile storytelling techniques and support training across all of CNN Academy's training simulat...

08/05/2025

SBE Backs NAB Proposals to Change EAS Rules

WASHINGTON The Society of Broadcast Engineers has filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission that support a proposal by the National Association ...

08/05/2025

OAN to Provide News to VOA, USAGM Networks

Senior adviser to the United States Agency for Global Media Kari Lake has announced that One America News Network (OAN) will provide newsfeed services for fre...

08/05/2025

EdMon Expands as AI-Driven Post Production Workflows Gains Traction in Sweden and Beyond

EdMon Expands as AI-Driven Post Production Workflows Gains Traction in Sweden an...

08/05/2025

Using Luma Mattes in Adobe Premiere Pro

Using Luma Mattes in Adobe Premiere Pro Graham Quince May 7, 2025 0 Comments This very quick tutorial shows you how to take an RGB clip and apply its ...

08/05/2025

OpenDrives Unveils Free Your Data' Initiative with New Astraeus Cloud-Native Data Services Platform

OpenDrives Unveils Free Your Data' Initiative with New Astraeus Cloud-Nativ...

08/05/2025

Student Spotlight: Grigori Balasanyan

Student Spotlight: Grigori Balasanyan The Armenian composer, who was named Boston Conservatory at Berklees 2025 student commencement speaker, talks about his ...

08/05/2025

Tribeca Festival 2025 Unveils New Premieres Spanning Film and Music

May 8th, 2025 Press Materials Available Here Tribeca Festival 2025 Unveils New Premieres Spanning Film and Music Slick Rick's Victory with Idris Elba a...

08/05/2025

Tribeca Festival 2025 Announces Lineup for Inaugural Storytelling Summit

May 8th, 2025 Press Materials Available Here Tribeca Festival 2025 Announces Lineup for Inaugural Storytelling Summit 11-Day Industry Event Launches with Tal...

08/05/2025

SVG Sit-Down: Vizrt's Nicholas Jameson on AI in Workflows, Pushing Boundaries With XR/AR

SVG Sit-Down: Vizrt's Nicholas Jameson on AI in Workflows, Pushing Boundarie...

08/05/2025

Creating Alternative Brand Experiences: Live Sports in the Age of Fortnite, Meta Horizon, and Beyond

Creating Alternative Brand Experiences: Live Sports in the Age of Fortnite, Meta...

08/05/2025

PGA TOUR's David Piccolo: Advanced Graphics and Virtual Production Tools are Elevating Live Golf Coverage

PGA TOUR's David Piccolo: Advanced Graphics and Virtual Production Tools are...

08/05/2025

Tech Focus: Advancing Immersion in Sports Broadcasting with AR and Virtual Production

Tech Focus: Advancing Immersion in Sports Broadcasting with AR and Virtual Produ...

08/05/2025

Now in Production: Comedy Action Film Husbands in Action' Puts Unlikely Allies on a Rescue Mission

Back to All News Now in Production: Comedy Action Film Husbands in Action'...

08/05/2025

Wildfire Prevention: AI Startups Support Prescribed Burns, Early Alerts

Artificial intelligence is helping identify and treat diseases faster with better results for humankind. Natural disasters like wildfires are next. Fires in th...

08/05/2025

Join the Family: GeForce NOW Welcomes 2K's Acclaimed Mafia' Franchise to the Cloud

Calling all wiseguys - 2K's acclaimed Mafia franchise is available to stream...

08/05/2025

LM Studio Accelerates LLM Performance With NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPUs and CUDA 12.8

As AI use cases continue to expand - from document summarization to custom software agents - developers and enthusiasts are seeking faster, more flexible ways t...

07/05/2025

March 2025 Less Time Spent Watching Video

Warsaw, Poland - April 28, 2025 - Nielsen, a global leader in audience measurement, data and analytics, has released its latest March All Screens Video Landscap...

07/05/2025

Studios Delay Moving Films to Streaming to Protect Box Office

LONDON Movie fans hoping to save money by waiting until their favorite new films appear on streaming services will have to wait a bit longer now, according to a...

07/05/2025

Saudi Broadcasting Authority Turns to Grass Valley for Major Tech Upgrade

MECCA, Saudi Arabia Saudi Broadcasting Authority (SBA) has selected Grass Valley to provide a major technology upgrade of its broadcast facility here....

07/05/2025

Sony and Nevion provide guidance on IP network architecture options for live production in new whitepaper

Sony and Nevion provide guidance on IP network architecture options for live pro...

07/05/2025

Media Pioneer Publishing AG Expands Editorial Capacity

Media Pioneer Publishing AG Expands Editorial Capacity Brie Clayton May 7, 2025 0 Comments Pioneer 2 boat production environment powered by Blackmagic...

07/05/2025

Studios Delaying Moving Films to Streaming to Protect Box Office

LONDON Movie fans hoping to save money by waiting until their favorite new films appear on streaming services will have to wait a bit longer now, according to a...

07/05/2025

FCC Seeks Comments on LPTV Adoption of 5G Broadcasting

WASHINGTON The Federal Communications Commission's Media Bureau is seeking public comment on a Petition for Rulemaking from HC2 Broadcasting Holdings asking...

07/05/2025

U.S. Department of Education Terminates CPB's Ready to Learn Grant

WASHINGTON Following a decision by U.S. Department of Education to terminate its 2020-2025 Ready To Learn to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, CPB has in...

07/05/2025

Tubi Announces New Interactive Ad Formats

NEW YORK Fox's ad-supported streaming Tubi made a series of product and partnership announcements during IAB NewFronts in New York, including the launch of ...

07/05/2025

The GFiber App Gets an Upgrade

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. Google Fiber (GFiber) has announced a redesigned app that the company said will simplify how customers set up service, manage devices, and...

07/05/2025

NASA+ Launches FAST Channel on Prime Video

WASHINGTON NASAs on-demand streaming service, NASA+, has launched a FAST (Free Ad-Supported Television) channel on Prime Video....

07/05/2025

The WNET Group Names Randall T. Decker Senior Director, Technology

NEW YORK The WNET Group, parent company of the PBS station Thirteen, has announced the appointment of Randall T. Decker to senior director, technology, effectiv...

07/05/2025

Peter Barber appointed new Chief Executive Officer at Ato...

Atomos announced an executive leadership transition as the Company continues to evolve and expand its strategic focus. Peter Barber, currently serving as Chie...

07/05/2025

Steadicam Vol Honored with AMPAS 2025 Scientific and Tech...

Steve Wagner, Jerry Holway and Robert Orf at the 2024 Scientific and Technical Awards at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. The ...

07/05/2025

nxtedition and TASCAM bring precision audio control to TV...

nxtedition, the Swedish company behind the leading integrated platform for news and program production, and TASCAM, the iconic Japanese manufacturer of professi...

07/05/2025

Signiant Brings Real-Time Camera Raw-to-Cloud Innovation...

Signiant is bringing its Camera-Raw-to-Any-Cloud workflow to the UK for the first time at the Media Production & Technology Show 2025 (Booth# M69) with a live d...

07/05/2025

MNC Software extends its global reach with Gencom Technol...

MNC Software Inc., a global leader in software and network solutions tailored to the broadcast and media industry, has appointed Gencom Technology as an officia...

07/05/2025

Rise AV Announces Inaugural UK Cohort for 2025 Mentoring...

Rise AV, the award-winning advocacy group championing gender diversity and professional development in the AV sector, is proud to announce 31 mentor-mentee pair...

07/05/2025

Leader to show Test and Measurement solutions for workflo...

Test & measurement innovator, Leader Electronics of Europe, is to bring a selection of its leading products for IP, SDI and hybrid workflow requirements to this...

07/05/2025

World Skills Cafe Returns at IBC2025 with Expanded Talent...

The Global Media and Entertainment Talent Manifesto announces that the World Skills Caf will return at IBC2025 with an expanded skills and diversity programme,...

07/05/2025

Moments Lab and LucidLink Expand AI-Powered Workflow Inte...

Moments Lab, a leader in AI video discovery, and LucidLink, the pioneer in real-time cloud collaboration, are proud to announce the integration of Moments Lab&#...

07/05/2025

Obvious C Broadcasts Skiing World Cup with Blackmagic Design

Obvious C Broadcasts Skiing World Cup with Blackmagic Design Brie Clayton May 6, 2025 0 Comments Blackmagic Design cameras capture cinematic sports pr...

07/05/2025

Larry Jordan Interviews Signiant's Jon Finegold at NAB 2025

Larry Jordan Interviews Signiant's Jon Finegold at NAB 2025 Brie Clayton May 6, 2025 0 Comments Jon Finegold, Chief Marketing Officer at Signiant,...

07/05/2025

Cadence Taps NVIDIA Blackwell to Accelerate AI-Driven Engineering Design and Scientific Simulation

A new supercomputer offered by Cadence, a leading provider of technology for ele...