The companies IBM Red Hat and Axiom Space work together toward sending a data center unit to the International Space Station (ISS) for launch during spring 2025. Modern Data Center Unit-1 (AxDCU-1) awaits launch in spring 2025 according to the scheduling plan. This project aims to evaluate the capability of data centers operating in space while reducing the distance between satellites and spacecraft.
The placement of data centers in space orbit enables immediate data processing there, which eliminates the need for ground-based data exchange. Such a data processing strategy advances both performance speed and security, particularly when real-time mission analysis becomes imperative. This advancement represents a milestone that leads to better space infrastructure, which improves both space exploration and terrestrial benefits.
The Red Hat, together with Axiom Space, will launch an Orbital Data Center to operate from the ISS.
The partnership between Red Hat and Axiom Space involves sending an Orbital Data Center (ODC) to the ISS. This initiative aims to test applications in Edge cloud computing centers, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data fusion, and space cybersecurity. The ODC will serve as a prototype to demonstrate how data centers can function effectively in the unique environment of space.
By deploying the ODC, the team seeks to understand the challenges and opportunities of operating data centers in orbit. This knowledge will be crucial for developing future space infrastructure, enabling more efficient data processing for both space-based and Earth-based applications.
The AxDCU-1 will operate various tests, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cloud computing in space.
The AxDCU-1 prototype serves as a testing platform in space that focuses its testing on artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning, cybersecurity, and cloud computing elements. Testing these advanced computing technologies under space environmental conditions with factors like microgravity and radiation will provide evaluation data.
The project’s testing phase seeks to develop better insights about how we operate and control sophisticated computing operations in space environment. The programs will generate stronger safer space mission platforms for upcoming missions and boost our territory’s data processing methods.
Secure low-latency processing will be available off-world according to the plan.
This initiative pursues the essential target of obtaining safe data processing with minimal latency in space. The reduction of information transfer back to Earth becomes possible by processing data near the source points of satellites or spacecraft. The space operations gain speed in decision-making processes together with better protection through this processing method.
Low-latency processing implemented in space gives value to multiple applications that require real-time monitoring alongside autonomous spacecraft operations and immediate responses to space events. The necessary technology provides crucial support to make possible both space exploration development and a sustainable economic system in space.
Axiom Space intends to fly a shoebox-sized node with Red Hat Device Edge operating on board the International Space Station
Axiom Space intends to launch an ingeniously compact computing node to the ISS which runs Device Edge software from Red Hat. The small yet powerful device will allow the execution of hybrid cloud applications and cloud-native workloads in space directly.
Such compact node deployment proves that space applications can utilize effective miniaturized computing solutions. This technology development introduces basic facilities for space-based data centers, which can empower scientists and commercial operators performing diverse activities throughout orbital areas. The partnership between Red Hat and Axiom Space has opened new pathways for space missions to integrate advanced computing capabilities, which may revolutionize how we handle and exploit data in orbit and on Earth.
The Axiom Space explores using Indian rockets for space missions
Axiom Space pursues Indian launch vehicle partnerships to support the space station operations of its international mission. Axiom Space conducts talks with both the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Indian private launch companies to build its supply network and determine the launch vehicles suitable for its missions. As part of its plan to build its space station infrastructure, Axiom Space works on this initiative to establish reliable space access.
Indian rockets are under consideration by Axiom Space as the company seeks to utilize mounting Indian space sector capabilities. The joint work between Indian Space Research Organisation and private Indian launch companies will offer both affordable launch solutions and operational efficiency which helps Axiom Space progress toward their orbital data center projects and space settlement goals. Axiom Space remains dedicated to building flexible space infrastructure through its assessment of Indian space launch capabilities for satellite data center deployment in orbit.
