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Red Hat and Axiom Space Collaborate to Launch Orbital Data Center to the ISS
The AxDCU-1: Pioneering AI, Cybersecurity, and Cloud Computing in Space
Aiming for Secure, Low Latency Off-World Processing
The dynamic realm of space is rapidly evolving into a new arena for data centers. Lonestar recently announced plans to dispatch what is touted as the first physical data center—a RISC-V processor combined with a Phison SSD running Ubuntu—to the Moon. This follows their innovative achievement with the world’s first software-defined data center aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Now, in a groundbreaking partnership, IBM’s Red Hat has unveiled its plans, in collaboration with Axiom Space, to deliver a data center to the ISS in spring 2025. This initiative involves the development of the Data Center Unit-1 (AxDCU-1) prototype, which will leverage Red Hat Device Edge—an enterprise iteration of MicroShift, a lightweight Kubernetes distribution adapted from Red Hat OpenShift. Complementing this setup will be the robust Red Hat Enterprise Linux and the Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform.
The AxDCU-1 is set to explore various applications such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML), data fusion, and space cybersecurity. This endeavor not only aims to showcase the initial capabilities of an Orbital Data Center (ODC) but also to enhance the operational efficiency of space missions.
The Future of In-Space Data Processing
“Off-planet data processing is the next frontier, and edge computing is a crucial component,” stated Tony James, Red Hat’s chief architect in Science and Space. “With Red Hat Device Edge and our partnership with Axiom Space, mission partners on Earth will gain the tools necessary to make real-time decisions in space, backed by greater reliability and consistency.”
The AxDCU-1 is part of Axiom Space’s broader strategy to bolster space infrastructure, facilitating data processing that is geographically closer to off-planet sources such as satellites and spacecraft. This development is expected to streamline decision-making processes in space, enhancing security and speed.
“We are thrilled about the opportunities this collaboration with Red Hat brings for ODC infrastructure and the overall future of space operations,” expressed Jason Aspiotis, global director of in-space data and security at Axiom Space. “Integrating terrestrial-grade cloud solutions into ODCs will allow users to transition their earthly workloads to orbit effortlessly, harnessing the advantages of reduced latency and heightened security associated with ODCs.”
Axiom Space envisions a range of applications for ODCs, including in-space data processing for satellite operations, AI/ML training, cybersecurity initiatives, autonomous systems, space weather monitoring, and off-planet backups for critical Earth infrastructure.
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