Red Hat and Axiom Space Partner to Launch Orbital Data Center on ISS
Red Hat and Axiom Space are collaborating to advance space-based computing with the launch of Axiom Space’s Data Center Unit-1 (AxDCU-1) to the International Space Station (ISS) in spring 2025. This initiative will showcase the first Orbital Data Center capabilities, utilizing Red Hat’s Device Edge platform to process data directly in orbit.
Enhancing Space-Based Computing
This partnership aims to bring real-time computing closer to data sources like spacecraft and satellites, reducing dependence on Earth-based data centers. The project will explore applications in data fusion, cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), and space cybersecurity. By integrating cloud-native processing into space infrastructure, Axiom Space and Red Hat seek to improve decision-making speed, security, and autonomy in space operations.
AxDCU-1 will feature Red Hat Device Edge, which includes:
– Red Hat Enterprise Linux
– Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform
– A lightweight Kubernetes distribution based on Red Hat OpenShift’s edge capabilities
– MicroShift, an open-source project supported by Red Hat
This platform will enable Axiom Space to run cloud-native workloads and hybrid cloud applications in orbit, reducing reliance on costly and potentially unreliable Earth-based network connections.
Advancing Orbital Data Centers
Axiom Space’s Orbital Data Centers are designed to provide independent cloud storage and edge processing in space, eliminating delays in data transmission while enhancing security and reliability. By processing data in orbit, these centers will reduce dependence on traditional terrestrial data centers and offer faster, more secure access to mission-critical information.
Key Applications of Orbital Data Centers
Potential use cases for Orbital Data Centers include:
– Earth observation satellites with lower latency data processing and storage
– On-orbit AI/ML training for autonomous operations
– Cybersecurity solutions such as multi-factor authentication and cyber intrusion detection
– Supervised autonomy for spacecraft and satellite missions
– Space weather analytics
– Off-planet backup and disaster recovery for critical Earth-based infrastructure
A Step Toward Scalable Space Infrastructure
The launch of AxDCU-1 aligns with Axiom Space’s long-term vision to enable businesses to operate in space. By building scalable industrial infrastructure, Axiom Space is opening new opportunities for companies to integrate space-based solutions into their operations. The expansion of Axiom Station and the development of Orbital Data Centers are key milestones in this strategy.
Jason Aspiotis, Global Director of In-Space Data and Security at Axiom Space, emphasized that integrating terrestrial-grade cloud solutions into Orbital Data Centers will provide users with reduced latency and enhanced security while allowing seamless workload transitions to orbit.
Tony James, Lead Architect for Science and Space at Red Hat, highlighted the importance of edge computing in space as a crucial step in off-planet data processing. He noted that Red Hat Device Edge will equip Earth-based mission partners with the tools needed for consistent and reliable real-time decision-making in space.
Pioneering the Future of Orbital Cloud Computing
As demand for high-performance computing and data security grows, the ability to process and store data in space could revolutionize industries such as telecommunications, Earth observation, scientific research, and space exploration. By combining innovative space infrastructure with enterprise-grade cloud computing, Axiom Space and Red Hat are laying the groundwork for a new era of orbital cloud computing.
