ESA Launches Space HPC Supercomputer to Boost European Space Research

ESA has officially launched its new high-performance computing facility, Space HPC, at ESRIN in Italy. The inauguration ceremony took place on March 12, 2025 and was held in collaboration with Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), marking a step forward in the agency’s effort to asvance European space research and innovation.

The newly unveiled Space HPC environment is built to support ESA’s research and technological development while providing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with vital computing resources. The facility is capable of processing massive datasets, running complex simulations, and accelerating artificial intelligence applications.

The ribbon cutting moment of the new HPC at ESA's ESRIN facility in Frascati, Italy. Credits: ESA/V. Stefanelli — *The ribbon cutting moment of the new HPC at ESA’s ESRIN facility in Frascati, Italy. Credits: ESA/V. Stefanelli*

It is also intended to serve as a demonstrator infrastructure that aids in mitigating risks associated with data processing, modeling, and simulation, allowing for rapid experimentation and faster access to testbeds and demonstration services.

Key figures and official endorsements

The ceremony was led by ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher, with notable participation from ASI president Teodoro Valente, ESA Council Chair Renato Krpoun, and ESA Director of Earth Observation Programmes and Head of ESRIN, Simonetta Cheli. Additionally, written messages of support came from Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, as well as Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, both emphasizing the importance of technological innovation within the space sector.

“With this new facility, ESA is providing a flexible supercomputing infrastructure in support of R&D, testing and rapid benchmarking for ESA programmes, industrial players and researchers. Among others, SMEs, startups and the Φ-lab will be able to access resources that promote innovation and collaboration in the European space industry,” said ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher.

*ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher visiting the inside of ESA HPC. Credits: ESA/V. Stefanelli*

“The Space HPC provides a critical infrastructure to power the connected digital economy in support of the European Green Deal and Digital Agenda. ESA remains at the service of the space community in its quest to become more agile and effective, keeping European citizens at the very heart of the work it does,” he added.

Simonetta Cheli then added: “The ESA Space HPC at ESRIN will be the central ESA reference for any kind of high-performance computing need for research and development for any ESA Directorate and for our industrial partners.” Talking about her directed section of the agency, Earth Observation: “[It] is naturally a key actor in the HPC domain with strong impact on Earth Observation data management and the development of novel applications and services. This symbiotic relationship is aided by the proximity to the Earth Observation data here at ESRIN.”

Demonstrated capabilities and strategic importance

During the event, several test use cases were presented to highlight the facility’s capabilities. One notable example involved the Space Safety Programme, which has employed the new supercomputing resource to enhance end-to-end space weather modelling. This development is aimed at improving early warnings of solar activity that could potentially affect infrastructure both in space and on the ground.

Notably, the supercomputer is expected to serve as a platform for accelerating innovation across ESA and its partners by shortening development cycles and providing a secure, scalable environment for industrial collaboration. The facility’s design complements existing national and European high-performance computing infrastructures rather than competing with them, further supporting broader European initiatives such as the Green Deal and Digital Agenda.

The queue of reporters right outside the HPC inside ESA's ESRIN facility. Credits: ESA/V. Stefanelli — *The queue of reporters right outside the HPC inside ESA’s ESRIN facility. Credits: ESA/V. Stefanelli*

The launch of this new facility thus represents a strategic investment in both the future of European space research and the connected digital economy, reinforcing ESA’s commitment to fostering collaboration, innovation, and technological advancement across its territory and partners.