Axiom Space Partners with Kepler Space and Skyloom to Operationalize the World’s 1st Orbital Data Center

The Houston-based company Axiom Space has entered agreements with Kepler Communications US Inc. and Skyloom Global Corp. to integrate and demonstrate high data rate Optical Intersatellite Links (OISLs) on the first module of Axiom Space’s commercial space station – Axiom Station. In parallel, the Axiom Space team is building the world’s first scalable, cloud technology-enabled, commercial orbital data center to be hosted on Axiom Station.

(Credit: Axiom Space)

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The development of this first tranche of orbital data center capability (ODC T1) will support the transformation of low-Earth orbit (LEO) into a global space marketplace by maturing the necessary technologies and infrastructure for large-scale and secure space-based data processing. One of the key features of the orbital data center is “Earth independence” – the ability to provide in-space cloud services without the need to connect back to terrestrial cloud infrastructure. ODC T1 will help operationalize data processing and management applications for Axiom Space’s customers, while setting the stage for lunar and Mars use cases where on-premises data processing will be required to support exploration and economic development beyond Earth’s orbit.

The effort with Kepler and Skyloom will enable demonstration of OISLs to allow for data to be transmitted to and from the orbital data center via the Kepler and Skyloom relay constellations. The OISLs will allow for up to 10 gigabits-per-second data throughput and meet Space Development Agency (SDA) interoperability standards.

“This is a pivotal moment for in-space data processing infrastructure and capabilities,” said Jason Aspiotis, Axiom Space’s Director of In-Space Infrastructure & Logistics. “For the past two years, our team has been demonstrating proof of concepts and developing use cases for in-space data processing infrastructure. The ODC T1 effort and collaboration with Kepler and Skyloom will help us realize our vision of building and operationalizing the world’s first orbital data center. The data center will provide unprecedented data storage and processing capacity in a commercial, scalable, and economical way to aid microgravity researchers, Axiom Station users, and satellites in LEO, medium-Earth orbit (MEO) and Geosynchronous Equatorial Orbit (GEO) through optical communications relays and via the extended mesh network.”

In preparation for the ODC T1 deployment, Axiom Space plans to install a smaller data processing prototype aboard the International Space Station to conduct testing and demonstrate initial capabilities. The prototype is planned for launch in 2024 and will test applications in artificial intelligence and machine learning, data fusion, and space cybersecurity.

“We will work to validate use cases at a sub scale and, at the same time, obtain flight heritage on the underlying data center hardware,” said Aspiotis. “Having a prototype on the ISS will serve as a building block toward the roughly half-cubic-meter sized data server rack we plan to launch by 2027.”

 Axiom Space is also actively conducting demonstrations on the AWS Snowcone currently aboard the space station, proving the basic utility of a data center in space and implementing processes and procedures for future orbital data center operations.

 “Kepler’s SDA-compatible space relay network leverages the latest technological advances in optical communications,” said Steve Bennett, Chief Operating Officer for Kepler. “We are pleased to partner with Axiom Space to provide 24-7 on-orbit capabilities to demonstrate the benefits our low latency, high-throughput data relay network can provide Axiom Space’s orbital data center. With the proliferation of spacecraft in LEO, the demand for continuous, high-capacity connectivity on orbit continues to grow. The Kepler Network is designed to help close the business case for commercial space stations, Earth observation companies, and other space operators requiring low latency and high bandwidth connectivity.”

 “Skyloom is excited to partner with Axiom Space,” said Eric Moltzau, Skyloom’s Chief Commercial Officer.  “This demonstration will prove the competitive advantages of our SkyCompass-1 optical communications network, which we are jointly developing and deploying with Space Compass and which will offer services beginning in 2025. This project with Axiom Space will illustrate SkyCompass-1's low latency, high bandwidth network capabilities.

 “Skyloom is a network service provider and space-based telecom equipment manufacturer,” Moltzau added. “We build all the infrastructure to support network services and we see the partnership with Axiom Space as a tremendous opportunity to grow together to provide these services for all kinds of commercial and government users.  This demonstration is the start of laying the initial infrastructure for a Commercial Space Internet to flourish in near earth orbit and on a planetary scale.”

Once Axiom Station Hab One (AxH1) is connected to the ISS, the data center hardware and optical communications terminals will be flown to AxH1 for module integration in preparation for initial testing. ODC T1 is planned to launch by 2027. The testing expects to prove out an array of capabilities, including 24/7 and high-bandwidth data connectivity between Axiom Station via a LEO and GEO relay network back to Earth; real-time voice and video capabilities for Axiom Station and its crew; high-speed data transport from experiments and payloads; connectivity and interoperability between LEO and GEO satellites with AxH1 as a network translation node; and orbital data center use cases in Earth-independent data storage and fusion, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and in-space cybersecurity. Once testing and evaluation are complete, the ODC T1 will be ready for real-time operations on orbit in support of Axiom Station customers and the mesh network.

The commercialization of LEO promises to stimulate new markets, drive innovations and fuel new ideas to advance civilization. The development of space-based data centers, equipped with cloud technology and advanced cyber security, is an integral part of creating a sustainable communications ecosystem capable of supporting human spaceflight, exploration, and commerce in space to generate economic and social value for the world.

About Kepler

Kepler Communications US Inc. is a satellite telecommunications provider on a mission to build the Internet for space. Incorporated in 2015, Kepler provides real-time, continuous connectivity for space communications, abolishing barriers to make space-generated data universally available. The Kepler Network will initially service low earth orbit (LEO) and plans to provide connectivity services to space missions in LEO, MEO, GEO, and beyond. Kepler is building a global company to enable communications for the future space economy. To learn more about Kepler Communications US Inc., visit www.kepler.space.

About Skyloom

Skyloom is a Broomfield, CO-based telecommunications innovator founded with the mission to develop, deploy, and operate one of the fundamental pieces of tomorrow's space-based telecommunication infrastructure for the provision of data transport services on a planetary scale. They leverage deep heritage in space optical communications to enable real time data transfer so that customers and decision makers can leverage perishable information. www.skyloom.co

About Axiom Space

Axiom Space is building for beyond, guided by the vision of a thriving home in space that benefits every human, everywhere. The leading provider of human spaceflight services and developer of human-rated space infrastructure, Axiom Space operates end-to-end missions to the International Space Station today while developing its successor, Axiom Station – the world’s first commercial space station in low-Earth orbit, which will sustain human growth off the planet and bring untold benefits back home. For more information about Axiom Space, visit www.axiomspace.com.

Axiom Space Goes All-In on AWS for Its Enterprise Cloud Services Needs on Earth

Houston-based company Axiom Space to rely on AWS terrestrial services (cloud, database, security, high-performance compute) to support its operations, business, and engineering teams

Axiom Space, a leader in commercial human spaceflight and architect of the world’s first commercial space station, today announced that it is going all-in on Amazon Web Services (AWS) in support of its terrestrial information technology (IT) infrastructure. By migrating its enterprise IT to AWS, Axiom Space looks to provide its engineers, ground operations, and business development teams the terrestrial cloud infrastructure necessary to enable development of its next-generation commercial space station, Axiom Station.

Credit: Axiom Space

In parallel to going all-in on AWS for enterprise IT needs, Axiom Space and AWS will continue to collaborate on validating cloud-based hardware and software capable of supporting in-space workloads. These include cutting-edge scientific research and discovery that Axiom Space supports on-orbit to benefit new pharmaceuticals development, stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and other areas of study in the microgravity environment. Axiom Space and AWS are also collaborating on the development and demonstration of in-space cybersecurity solutions that set the foundation for operating a cybersecure Axiom Station.

Christian Maender, EVP of Space Commercialization for Axiom Space said, “We are very excited to expand our collaboration with AWS. Going all-in on enterprise IT needs provides us the necessary cloud services foundation on Earth to support our engineering, operations, and business teams as they build Axiom Station and the markets it will serve. We remain excited to collaborate with AWS on advancing the state of the art of cloud infrastructure on-orbit as we build a multi-cloud and multi-user environment for our future space station customers.”

In order to support a thriving global space economy in low-Earth orbit, Axiom Station will require cloud-based technology to quickly and reliably analyze data on orbit, closer to where the data is collected, even when operating with limited bandwidth and connectivity. As a first step on this path, Axiom Space and AWS worked together to integrate and operate an AWS Snowcone device on the International Space Station as part of the Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1) in April 2022. Together, the teams used the device’s powerful edge processing capability to apply a sophisticated machine learning (ML)-based object recognition model and quickly analyze images of various scientific experiments on orbit. Today the AWS Snowcone – a small, rugged, and secure device offering edge computing, data storage, and data transfer on-the-go, in austere environment with little or no connectivity – remains on orbit and Axiom Space continues to demonstrate unique use cases in edge processing, artificial intelligence (AI), ML, and in-space cybersecurity with its partners (Axiom Space Collaborates to Advance In-Space Data Processing and Cybersecurity Solutions — Axiom Space).

“Axiom Space is using AWS’s global infrastructure and a broad and deep portfolio of cloud services to deliver revolutionary solutions to the space industry,” said Dave Levy, AWS vice president, worldwide public sector. “We are proud to support Axiom Space’s vision to incorporate advanced cloud-based technology into future missions supporting on-orbit research, scientific discovery, and space exploration.”

Beyond going all-in on AWS for its enterprise IT needs, and demonstrating edge compute capabilities via the AWS Snowcone on the ISS, Axiom Space and AWS intend to continue exploring:

• Using AWS for modeling and simulation in support of Axiom Station development

• Equipping Axiom Space’s mission control center (MCC-A) with cloud capabilities

• The development and use of digital engineering capabilities

• Applying AI/ML for autonomy specific use cases around Axiom Station safety, monitoring, and mission operations

• Working together with other industry teams (e.g., Energy, Health, Telecommunications, Advanced Manufacturing) to help build and mature the in-space economy

• Deploying and operationalizing AWS cloud capabilities as part of Axiom Space’s multi-cloud and multi-user Orbital Data Center

ABOUT AXIOM SPACE

Axiom Space is building for beyond, guided by the vision of a thriving home in space that benefits every human, everywhere. The leading provider of human spaceflight services and developer of human-rated space infrastructure, Axiom Space operates end-to-end missions to the International Space Station today while developing its successor, Axiom Station – the world’s first commercial space station in low-Earth orbit, which will sustain human growth off the planet and bring untold benefits back home. For more information about Axiom Space, visit www.axiomspace.com. 

Axiom Space Collaborates to Advance In-Space Data Processing and Cybersecurity Solutions

Axiom Space collaborated with Amazon Web Services (AWS), Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation (JAMSS), Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), and SpiderOak to demonstrate an array of in-space data processing capabilities relevant to emerging mesh network applications.

Axiom Space worked with AWS in April 2022 to install an AWS Snowcone edge computer on the International Space Station – a small, rugged, and secure device offering edge computing, data storage, and data transfer capabilities in environments with little or no connectivity. The Snowcone device has been on orbit ever since and is being utilized for demonstrations of space-based data processing capabilities.

 “Today, the Axiom Space team is laser-focused on rapidly onboarding and demonstrating use cases in space-based data processing,” said Jason Aspiotis, Director of In-Space Infrastructure & Logistics for Axiom Space. “Our commercial space station, Axiom Station, will enable all that comes next – from data processing infrastructure in support of human spaceflight and on-orbit research, to the proliferation of in-space manufacturing activities, to support for emerging mesh networking needs in low-Earth orbit.”

The first demonstration of this capability was with JAMSS in April 2023 to test its Automated File Dump System (JAFDS). The demonstration used the Axiom Space-provided Snowcone to autonomously downlink, validate, and retransmit large files from the space station to the ground. This capability has the potential to help future Axiom Station customers transmit large amounts of data from space and help researchers quickly analyze the data on Earth. It could also be used to transmit large files from space stations to satellites, or from satellites to satellites.

The second demonstration was with SwRI in June 2023 to test a software tool that remotely updates and repairs spacecraft software using less time and data than conventional techniques. The tool not only improves the overall efficiency of satellite and space station software transmissions, but also has the potential to recover data from failed over-the-air updates and malicious cyberattacks. It works by identifying missing bytes and other errors before deploying a custom “micropatch” to the damaged or missing software.

The third demonstration was with SpiderOak in August 2023 to deploy and test its OrbitSecure technology. OrbitSecure successfully demonstrated sending and receiving secure operational traffic between the ground and the space station. The demonstration validated the potential of containerized workloads in a microgravity environment, establishing a secure, software-defined model applicable to the unique challenges of space operations and the emerging mesh network in Earth’s orbit.

The SwRI and SpiderOak capabilities are critical to the cybersecurity of space stations and satellites in the mesh network. “The evolving space threat landscape requires a paradigm shift in the way we think about cybersecurity on space systems,” said Andy Corriveau, Space Cybersecurity Architect for Axiom Space. “We must prove that defensive cyber operations and zero-trust principles are achievable on space assets in order to support secure and safe operations. Space systems can no longer afford to accept security through obscurity. It is critical for Axiom Space and the larger space industry to demonstrate and mature cybersecurity capabilities that can meet today’s evolving threats.”

At Axiom Space, we’re leading a global community to advance cybersecurity capabilities that can meet future challenges. Axiom Space and its partners will continue to demonstrate in-space data processing and cybersecurity use cases with more demonstrations planned in 2023 and 2024.

SpaceNews - SpiderOak demonstrates zero-trust software on ISS

SAN FRANCISCO – SpiderOak announced the successful demonstration Aug 29 of OrbitSecure zero-trust cybersecurity software on the International Space Station.

Working with Axiom Space and an Amazon Web Services edge computing device, SpiderOak securely transmitted operations traffic between ground networks and low-Earth orbit. Data sent to ISS was transmitted through NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay constellation.

“What we’ve demonstrated involves a ton of different vendors and different moving parts,” Matthew Erickson, SpiderOak vice president solutions, told SpaceNews. “This is a mixed commercial-civil demonstration involving manned spaceflight with the ISS, relay networks through TDRS, as well as Axiom’s ground segment and the AWS compute on the ISS.”

Phys Org - Micropatch algorithm improves ground-to-spacecraft software update efficiency

Southwest Research Institute developed the micropatching algorithm illustrated here to improve the efficiency of over-the-air spacecraft software updates. The team successfully tested SwRI's micropatching software on an Axiom Space-operated computer on the ISS, uploading the patch via a telemetry network. The tool efficiently finds and patches software errors from failed updates and malicious attacks instead of replacing an entire file or operating system on bandwidth-limited space networks. Credit: Southwest Research Institute

Southwest Research Institute developed an algorithm to remotely update and repair spacecraft software using less time and data than conventional techniques.

The tool not only improves the overall efficiency of satellite software transmissions but also can recover data from failed over-the-air updates and malicious cyberattacks. It works by identifying missing bytes and other errors before deploying a custom "micropatch" to the damaged or missing software.

"Instead of updating an entire file or operating system, which is typically required with over-the-air satellite software updates, our tool can find and patch smaller errors," said Henry Haswell, a research engineer in SwRI's Intelligent Systems Division. Haswell will present a research paper titled "Secure Micropatching on the ISS" at DEF CON 31, August 10-13, in Las Vegas.

The researchers successfully deployed and tested the tool on the International Space Station (ISS) on June 25. SwRI worked with Axiom Space Inc. and Amazon Web Services (AWS) to upload and evaluate the micropatch technology on an Axiom Space-operated computer on the ISS. Axiom Space collaborated with AWS to bring this AWS Snowcone computer to the ISS as part of the Ax-1 mission.

SpaceNews - Orbital Composites wins $1.7 million Space Force contract

Orbital Composites is developing and space-qualifying technology to additively manufacture antennas and other large structures in orbit. Credit:Orbital Composites

SAN FRANCISCO — Orbital Composites will space qualify technology to manufacture antennas in orbit under a $1.7 million U.S. Space Force contract announced July 13.

The Small Business Innovation Research contract, awarded through the SpaceWERX Orbital Primeprogram, gives an important boost to the Campbell, California, startup’s plans for in-space servicing, assembly and manufacturing, Amolak Badesha, Orbital Composites co-founder and CEO, told SpaceNews. “We’re talking about printing outside of the space station and printing much larger structures over time.”

Working with partners Axiom Space, Northrop Grumman and the Southwest Research Institute, Orbital Composites will test robotic technology to 3D print antennas for satellite-based cellular broadband and kilometer-scale antennas for space-based solar power. The goal is to ensure the technology can withstand the temperature extremes and radiation of spaceflight, Badesha said.

Amazon AWS - How We Sent an AWS Snowcone into Orbit

As you may have already read, we recently sent an AWS Snowcone SSD to the International Space Station. Since Amazon Prime does not currently make deliveries to the ISS, the Snowcone traveled aboard a Falcon 9 rocket as part of the first Axiom Space Mission (Ax-1). As part of this mission, four private astronauts ran experiments and conducted technology demos that spanned 17 days and 240 trips around Earth.

Quantum Origin - Creating secure communications in space

Axiom Space is laying down the core layer of infrastructure for low-Earth orbit operations, as it builds the commercial successor to the International Space Station (ISS). Axiom has formed a partnership with Quantinuum to use Quantum Origin as a secure communication option for commercial customers using the ISS and, later, its successor spacecraft.

In its bid to further human advancement and enable the whole world to benefit from low-Earth orbit, Axiom is creating the tech stack to serve the purposes of the future users of the spacecraft. These will include academic and research teams, businesses and civilian guests. Quantum-enhanced security will be an option offered to protect the communication of information from the spacecraft back to Earth.

Quantum Origin cryptographic keys, seeded with verifiable quantum entropy, will provide certainty that datasets derived from a range of activities, such as space manufacturing, experiments in microgravity biology or gene sequencing, are securely transmitted. In its first use, Axiom sent a quantum encrypted message from the ISS, which read: “Hello Quantum World.”

Axiom’s first use of the Quantum Origin platform took place in summer 2021 and will be an option after Axiom begins commercial flights to the ISS.