Michael Ferris, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer | Sas Institute, Inc.
Michael Ferris, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer | Sas Institute, Inc.
Red Hat, a prominent provider of open source solutions, is collaborating with Axiom Space to launch Axiom Space’s Data Center Unit-1 (AxDCU-1) to the International Space Station. The deployment is scheduled for spring 2025 and will feature Red Hat Device Edge technology.
The AxDCU-1 prototype aims to test applications in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data fusion, and space cybersecurity. This initiative is part of Axiom Space's broader effort to develop significant space infrastructure.
Red Hat Device Edge integrates MicroShift, a lightweight Kubernetes distribution from Red Hat OpenShift's edge capabilities, with Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform. This setup will support hybrid cloud applications and cloud-native workloads on-orbit.
Axiom Space's Orbital Data Centers (ODCs) are designed to improve data processing efficiency by reducing reliance on terrestrial-based data centers. The ODCs process data closer to its source in space, minimizing delays associated with traditional orbital data processing.
The AxDCU-1 launch represents a step forward for Axiom Space in making industries consider space as a viable option for operations. The company continues developing scalable ODCs and other industrial infrastructure supporting life and work in space while benefiting Earth.
Tony James of Red Hat stated that "off-planet data processing is the next frontier," emphasizing the importance of edge computing. Jason Aspiotis from Axiom Space highlighted the potential benefits of integrating terrestrial-grade cloud solutions into ODCs for enhanced security and lower latency.
Red Hat and Axiom Space aim to provide real-time processing capabilities in space through this collaboration.
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