The Astro Pi computers
What is an Astro Pi computer?
An Astro Pi computer is a Raspberry Pi computer equipped with sensors and housed in a special case. Raspberry Pi is a very affordable credit-card-sized bare-bones computer, great for use in education.
Mark II hardware
The Astro Pi MK II computers are upgraded versions of the Astro Pi “Izzy” and Astro Pi “Ed” computers that were sent to the ISS during Tim Peake’s Principia mission in 2015.
These computers feature the latest model of the Raspberry Pi computer, an upgraded camera, and an augmented sensor board. This equipment will enable participants to do a wide range of experiments, some of which were not previously possible, such as experiments using elements of artificial intelligence (advanced machine learning) and higher-resolution photography than ever before.
Astro Pi VIS
The Astro Pi VIS computer allows teams investigating life on Earth to do visible-light Earth observation photography.
Astro Pi IR
The Astro Pi IR computer allows teams investigating life on Earth to do near-infrared Earth observation photography and comes with a red optical filter to enable measurements of plant health to be made.
The Astro Pi sensors
The new Astro Pi computers contain a range of sensors that will allow Mission Space Lab teams investigating life on Earth and life in space to do a wider range of experiments than ever before.
Hardware
Raspberry Pi
Raspberry Pi is a very affordable credit card sized bare-bones computer, great for use in education. The Astro Pi computers feature a Raspberry Pi 4 Model B, the fastest, most powerful Raspberry Pi yet!
Sense HAT
Raspberry Pi Sense HAT sits on top of the Raspberry Pi computer and includes a range of sensors, such as a gyroscope and temperature sensor. The Astro Pi computers feature a special Sense HAT, which includes a colour and luminosity sensor.
Raspberry Pi HQ Camera
Both Astro Pi computers come with a Raspberry Pi HQ camera. The camera can be used to take high-definition video, as well as still photographs.
Flight case
The flight cases for both new Astro Pi computers are made from 6063-grade aluminium. Only a small number of these cases have been produced, but soon you will be able to 3D print your own case!
Coral USB accelerator
The Coral USB Accelerator will allow teams to greatly accelerate machine learning tasks like image classification and object detection.
The optical filter
This MidOpt red filter is screwed into the HQ camera's sensor mounting to enable NDVI experiments to be performed.
