Space exploration is a captivating field that has always held the potential to expand our understanding of the universe, leading to exciting new discoveries that extend far beyond our own planet. But more than the excitement of reaching for the stars, space exploration is also leading to practical technological innovations that are transforming our daily lives including portable computers, artificial limbs, water filters, invisible braces for teeth and the list goes on.
More interestingly, the modern space industry is now utilising business technologies, specifically cloud infrastructure and cloud-based solutions, to reduce data collection costs and speed up the analysis process.
In 2020, Amazon Web Services (AWS) launched an aerospace and satellite business unit to assist space companies in taking advantage of cloud technology to unlock new discoveries and improve life on Earth. The team is led by retired Air Force Major General Clint Crosier, who possesses extensive experience in space operations and was previously responsible for planning and designing the Space Force branch of the US military.
“Space exploration has resulted in remarkable technological advancements that have made a significant impact in fields beyond space-related activities,” said Clint Crosier, Director, Aerospace and Satellite Solutions, AWS.
“Many people are unaware that technology developed by space agencies has found practical applications in medical support, production of medicine and X-ray capabilities, and many other areas. Not only does space exploration satisfy human curiosity and spirit, but it also provides practical benefits that can improve life on earth.”
Over the years, the space industry has become an increasingly attractive investment opportunity, capturing the attention of major financial institutions such as Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, and Bank of America Merrill Lynch who project that the sector will soar to over $1 trillion by 2040.
In recognition of this, AWS set out to assemble a team of experts with deep space industry experience. The team comprises individuals with a wealth of knowledge ranging from spacecraft design, space launch, and satellite operations, to ground system operations.
“By combining our space expertise with AWS’s advanced cloud capabilities, we can sit down with space customers worldwide and help them realise how to advance the industry technologically,” explained Crosier.
“It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to speak with space companies and agencies every day about how to push the boundaries of technology and space activity. I tell people, I have the best job in the world.”
Driving change
Closer to home, the UAE’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) leveraged AWS tools to process large volumes of data collected by the Hope Probe.
With a mission science data centre completely deployed on AWS, the infrastructure is entirely automated, allowing for quick processing of raw instrument data to generate scientific products in under 20 minutes. This is faster compared to non-cloud-based missions, which can take up to 48 hours. The processed data is immediately accessible to the science team for analysis.
“In addition to this, we also partnered with the MBRSC to run a Space Tech Challenge in Dubai, where companies were asked to use satellite data in the AWS cloud to determine the best areas for palm dates based on soil content, water supply, and pest infestation,” said Crosier.
He added, “The solutions developed by various companies were presented to the government, and they are now using this capability to support the palm date industry. AWS sees these examples as proof that space data can be utilised in unexpected ways, such as in agriculture, maritime security, climate change, and management. AWS’s goal is to use satellite data to make the world a better place, from space.”
In December, the UAE Space Agency and AWS also signed an agreement to collaborate in creating a thriving and competitive space sector in the country. As part of the collaboration, AWS will provide technical tools and resources to commercial and public space companies and young professionals in partnership with the UAE Space Agency and related government space organisations and institutions.
Data processing…in space
Today, the number of companies and space agencies recognising the value of space data is increasing, and as a result, there is a growing demand for cloud-based solutions that can analyse space data effectively.
“At AWS, a team with expertise in space and cloud technology collaborate to identify the unique challenges faced by space companies and offer customised cloud solutions. The expertise provided by AWS helps companies to unlock the full potential of space data and improve the effectiveness of the resources invested,” explained Crosier.
Most recently, AWS has successfully carried out a pioneering experiment, operating a machine learning software suite on a satellite in orbit, paving the way for others to gather and analyse data directly on orbiting satellites through its cloud platform.
The experiment was conducted on D-Orbit’s ION satellite in collaboration with AWS and Unibap over a 10-month period in low Earth orbit. It utilised AWS machine learning models to analyse satellite images in real time. AWS IoT Greengrass was also used to provide cloud management and analytics services.
The Unibap-built payload was fitted with the AWS software prototype and integrated into the satellite. This allowed D-Orbit to process a significant amount of space data on the satellite itself by utilising AWS compute on Earth observation imagery.
According to AWS, its services reduced image sizes by up to 42 percent, leading to faster processing speeds and enabling real-time inferences in space.
“Decision-makers need to make quick decisions in real-time,” said Crosier.
“With the vast amount of data available, space companies frequently report that they are unable to utilise all the information they collect due to the lack of adequate tools. This is the gap that AWS is filling in the space industry.”
AWS’s AI system allows customers to examine vast amounts of raw satellite data while in orbit and only transmit the most valuable images for storage and further analysis, significantly reducing costs and enabling faster decision-making.
Looking ahead, Crosier noted that AWS has always pledged to provide cloud services wherever customers require them. And, today, customers are requiring cloud services in space.
“As AWS strives to offer cloud services wherever our clients demand it, our focus has now shifted to the Earth’s orbit and beyond, with clients venturing to the moon, NASA’s Artemis program, and eventually Mars,” he said.
“Therefore, the future of cloud services in space will be determined by the needs and demands of our clients, who are taking us to fascinating and diverse locations throughout the universe.”
