# GPU@SAT DevKit: Empowering Edge Computing Development Onboard Satellites in the Space-IoT Era
## 1 Introduction  
The IoT is a rapidly evolving technology that is transforming the landscape of modern technological innovations. Enabling the connection of a multitude of devices simultaneously is fundamentally changing the way technological devices interact with each other and the way we interact with them. The IoT has the potential to revolutionize numerous industries and fields by fostering innovation, simplifying processes, and improving convenience. Its applications have already been implemented in various domains, including smart homes, intelligent spaces, energy management systems, and smart agriculture [1, 2, 3]. Additionally, it has been utilized in critical applications such as remote surgery and connected vehicles [4].  
The primary factor favoring the pervasive integration of IoT in everyday life is the rapid advancement of technology, particularly in pivotal domains such as the miniaturization of low-power electronics and the enhancement of wireless connectivity [5]. These developments have facilitated a notable increase in the number of interconnected devices. Recent surveys indicate that while there were 13.9 billion connected devices worldwide in 2022, by 2025, this number will exceed 20 billion [6]. This rapid growth is also anticipated to persist, potentially reaching nearly 40 billion IoT devices by 2033. Other studies indicate that this number could reach 75 billion as early as 2025 [7]. The trend is on the rise, and while it is fostered by technology, it is important to recognize that it is also largely encouraged by companies that identify the potential of such technology and invest in it [8].  
As the number of devices in operation continues to proliferate, so do the challenges associated with managing them effectively. These challenges include ensuring sufficient coverage in diverse environments, maintaining uninterrupted connectivity, ensuring reliability, and facilitating scalability. To date, no single communication infrastructure has been able to seamlessly connect all IoT devices globally, while simultaneously resolving the aforementioned issues [1]. A paradigm shift in infrastructure has the potential to optimize the widespread adoption of IoT technologies.  
In response to these demands, the space industry has long been integrating satellites into the IoT ecosystem. This strategic move is fueled by the unique attributes of satellites, particularly those orbiting in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO), which effectively tackle the challenges at hand [9; 10]. Indeed, LEO satellites provide global coverage, overcoming the challenges of connectivity in remote areas and rugged terrain. Furthermore, constellation architectures ensure reliability and scalability, accommodating the proliferation of IoT devices across vast geographical areas.  
This process has led to the birth of the _Space Internet of Things (Space-IoT)_ paradigm, which consists of using a network of satellites to solve the main challenges in the development of IoT networks on Earth [11]. Other times, the same concept has been expressed as _satellite-based IoT_[12] or simply _satellite IoT_[13]. These expressions highlight the growing trend of using satellite technology to facilitate IoT communication and connectivity on a global scale. In essence, the Space-IoT market is poised to significantly shape the future IoT landscape.