A Pentagon experiment to process the torrent of data from space

The Defense Innovation Unit has selected Ball Aerospace and Microsoft to demonstrate how cloud processing can handle the torrent of data that would produced by a distributed constellation of small satellites in low-Earth orbit.

The Department of Defense has grown increasingly receptive to the idea of using small satellites in LEO for a variety of missions, from early warning missile detection to deterrence to weather data collection. DARPA has been quietly working for some time through its Project Blackjack to demonstrate the technology necessary for such a massive constellation for years, and in March the Pentagon established the Space Development Agency specifically to design and coordinate that proliferated LEO constellation.

While work on designing the architecture, satellites and payloads for those efforts is ongoing, one major question remains: How will DoD be able to process the massive amounts of data produced by a constellation comprised of hundreds of satellites?

One solution could be cloud processing.

Ball and Microsoft announced Sept. 17 that they would work together to build a prototype cloud processing capability in support of the Space and Missile Systems Center’s Commercially Augmented Space Inter Networked Operations. Building off of DARPA’s Blackjack efforts, CASINO is the SMC’s program for developing technology for a proliferated LEO constellation.

Using Ball Aerospace algorithms and Microsoft’s Azure cloud, the prototype will show how multiple streams of data generated by hundreds of satellites around the globe can be processed in the cloud simultaneously. The demonstration will include a single, direct downlink into the cloud using a phased array sensor developed by Ball Aerospace.

“Essentially, this is the ultimate intelligent edge scenario, where massive amounts of data must be processed at the edge, whether that edge is in space or on the ground,” said Tom Keane, corporate vice president of Azure Global at Microsoft. "This partnership with Ball Aerospace enables us to bring satellite data to ground and cloud faster than ever, leapfrogging other solutions on the market.”

The details of the contract were not immediately available.

More In Space

Saab unveils technology incubator using Enforcer 3 as test bed

“We are trying to get capability to the fleet in months,” said Erik Smith, the chief executive of Saab's U.S. branch.

Lockheed to supply Australia with air battle management system

Overhauling Australia’s overhead defenses is expected to generate hundreds of local jobs as well as open the door to a multibillion-dollar export market.

Defense Innovation Unit prepares to execute $800 million funding boost

DIU Director Doug Beck said he doesn’t foresee any issues with quickly putting to work the $983 million in FY-24 funding Congress provided in March.

Army may swap AI bill of materials for simpler ‘baseball cards’

"We know innovation's happening in the open-source environment," said the Army's Bharat Patel. "We also know who's contributing to the open source."

How L3Harris is shoring up its small satellite supply chain

The president of L3Harris’ space systems sector, recently sat down with C4ISRNET to discuss the challenges of developing a diverse yet mature supply base.