MHPCC powers Space Force’s Makau supercomputer with 19.2 terabytes of memory

The U.S. Space Force’s Maui High Performance Computing Center has activated the Makau supercomputer, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise Cray XD2000 system powered by 19.2 terabytes of usable memory. Designed to accelerate research in areas like space domain awareness and cyber operations, Makau compresses data analysis timelines from weeks to seconds, a capability John Marlia, MHPCC technical director, says “provides a definitive advantage.” Marlia explained that historically, processing massive, highly complex datasets could take weeks, delaying critical decision-making processes when time was of the essence. The new system also represents a significant investment in STEM jobs and regional partnerships in Hawaii.

Makau Supercomputer Delivers 2.64 Petaflops for Warfighter Analysis

The Makau supercomputer, recently activated at the Maui High Performance Computing Center, delivers 2.64 peak peta floating-point operations per second, a processing capability designed to dramatically accelerate analysis for Department of Defense science and technology initiatives. This performance is enabled by 19.2 terabytes of usable memory, allowing the system to manage exceptionally large and complex datasets critical for modern warfighter needs.

The physical scale of the Makau system is considerable; it comprises six cabinets, each utilizing liquid-cooled, rear-door heat exchangers to manage the thermal load generated by intensive computation. According to Dr. Scott Pierce, MHPCC director, the implementation of artificial intelligence is central to Makau’s function, providing Airmen and Guardians with rapid, actionable data analysis and improved course of action options.

Machine learning models within the system automate the fusion of multiple data sources, building a more timely and cohesive operating picture for analysts. Pierce highlighted the importance of regional partnerships in sustaining the system, saying, “We are extremely proud of our local team’s collaboration and our partnership with local vendors and HPE to deliver this solution to our users.”