Importance Score:
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Axiom Space to Deploy Orbital Data Centers on Kepler Satellites
COLORADO SPRINGS – Axiom Space is advancing its initiative to establish space-based cloud computing services by deploying two data centers on Kepler Communications satellites. This move leverages Axiom’s ongoing work in developing commercial space stations and signals a significant step forward in creating robust orbital data processing capabilities.
Orbital Data Center Nodes on Kepler Network
Axiom Space announced on April 7 the deployment of two Orbital Data Center (ODC) nodes aboard satellites belonging to Kepler Communications. These satellites are part of Kepler’s network of optical data relay satellites, slated for launch into low Earth orbit (LEO) before year-end. The ODC nodes will be designed to communicate seamlessly with other satellites within the Kepler network and any spacecraft utilizing optical terminals compatible with Space Development Agency (SDA) standards.
Real-time Data Processing and AI Integration
According to Axiom, the ODC nodes will enable real-time data processing from various satellites. Furthermore, the system will incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) models to facilitate advanced data analysis. The company also highlights the system’s capacity to deliver “Earth-independent endpoint detection and response” functionalities for enhanced cybersecurity measures in space.
Building Blocks for Scalable Space Infrastructure
Axiom Space has been actively developing orbital data processing concepts for several years. Previous endeavors include deploying an Amazon Web Services edge computing platform to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2022. Currently, Axiom is collaborating with Red Hat to send a prototype data processing unit to the ISS this spring.
Jason Aspiotis, Global Director of In-Space Data and Security at Axiom, stated in an interview that these projects are considered crucial building blocks in establishing a “scalable orbital data center infrastructure.” Aspiotis emphasized that the ODC nodes on Kepler satellites represent the first deployment of fully operational systems.
Customer Engagement and Application Diversity
While Axiom Space has not yet publicly disclosed specific customers for its Orbital Data Center nodes, Aspiotis indicated ongoing engagement. “We have agreements and an array of customers in negotiations for both the first two nodes and future capacity,” he confirmed.
He elaborated that prospective clients span commercial, civil, and national security sectors. This includes Earth observation enterprises seeking accelerated imagery processing and government entities requiring data processing for space domain awareness. Aspiotis also noted the potential to support systems like the proposed Golden Dome missile defense initiative.
Future Expansion and Space-Based Cloud Services
Aspiotis anticipates growth in demand as Axiom progressively increases capacity. “The subsequent stage of infrastructure development involves delivering space-based cloud services directly to terrestrial users,” he explained, encompassing industries beyond the space sector itself. “Numerous applications exist where space-based cloud solutions offer considerable advantages.”
Towards Space Station-Class Infrastructure
Axiom retains the option to integrate ODC nodes on future Kepler satellites. However, the company ultimately envisions transitioning to larger-scale systems. “That’s where we begin to investigate space station-class infrastructure,” Aspiotis clarified. “We will gain significantly more space, power, and thermal management capabilities to accommodate substantial computational capacity.”
This trajectory will leverage expertise Axiom is cultivating for commercial space stations, a domain for which the company is widely recognized. “Axiom’s strong interest in this area stems from our position at the forefront of constructing large-scale space infrastructure,” he asserted.
Modular and Scalable Data Centers
Aspiotis clarified that these future facilities will not identically mirror Axiom’s planned space station. “Data centers do not necessitate life support systems or human-rating,” he pointed out. “Consequently, they will be somewhat simpler, yet the fundamental architectural components for large-scale infrastructure remain common and modular between space stations and orbital data centers.”
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