Notable Space Applications, Already Tested in Space

OPS-SAT in Space

A number of in-space software applications has been already trialled on the unique ESA satellite, called OPS-SAT, launched in 2019. Here is short list of some of the most notable ones:

  • ContainerWatch. To monitor ocean surface for floating intermodal containers. To reduce the computational resources required to an extent that the application can run as a background task.
  • Mobile Satellite Imager. To explore issues in real time satellite imaging from a mobile field operative. To develop a mobile phone application, server infrastructure necessary to queue requests and allow real time control of attitude and camera.
  • Autonomous Optical Navigation for Faint Object Detection, Identification & Tracking. Autonomous detection of faint, far planet (asteroid missions) and faint, close object (e.g. GEO) (debris removal missions, MSR)
  • Cloud detection on-board. Take a picture. Then run a detection algorithm and see if we can preprocess the image on-board. Output an image with clouds highlighted.
  • AI in Space. Proof-of-concept of the use of artificial intelligence machine learning algorithms for performing satellite autonomous tasking. Execution of autonomous satellite tasking for taking images on preselected ground targets under specific conditions (attitude, illumination)
  • Onboard real-time aggregated surface analysis. Autonomously identifying and cataloguing regions of interest on distant astronomical bodies. Reduce transmission volume required to identify regions of interest on distant bodies, identifying possible landing sites for an asteroid lander via computer vision methods.
  • On-board autonomy or formation flying testing. Develop a twin-sat formation flying simulation in EuroSim on Linux. Put it on OPS-SAT, so that it can ‘communicate’ with the simulated sat.
  • Development and test of satellite to satellite (S2S) communication subsystem for small satellite onboard software update. The idea is to use the commercial space based communication systems for small satellite onboard software update.

Revolutionizing Business Applications with Earth Observation Satellites: Data Processing and Fusion in Space

Introduction

Earth Observation (EO) satellites have been transforming various industries, from agriculture to urban planning, by providing valuable insights and data. Traditionally, these satellites send raw imagery data to Earth, where it is processed and analyzed. However, new approaches are emerging that take advantage of in-space processing and data fusion techniques to provide novel and efficient solutions for businesses. In this blog post, we will explore a few of innovative methods and discuss the potential benefits they offer.

At present, most EO satellite data is processed on Earth, with only minimal processing occurring on the satellite itself. For example, the Landsat program, a series of Earth-observing satellites operated by NASA and the US Geological Survey, captures images of the Earth’s surface and sends raw data to ground stations for further processing and analysis. This traditional approach is adequate for many applications, but it can be limiting when it comes to handling more complex data types like hyperspectral imagery or synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data.

Recent advancements in EO satellite technology have made it possible to perform more pre-processing directly in space, offering substantial benefits for various industries. By incorporating machine learning algorithms on satellites, specific business insights, regions of interest, or spectral bands can be extracted, allowing for more efficient and targeted data transmission. PhiSat-1, also known as FSSCat A, is a CubeSat launched by ESA in 2020 as part of the FSSCat mission, which aims to provide data for the Copernicus Earth observation program. PhiSat-1 is equipped with a hyperspectral imaging sensor and an artificial intelligence (AI) processing unit, which enables the satellite to perform onboard data analysis and filtering. The AI processing unit, powered by the Intel Movidius Myriad 2 Vision Processing Unit (VPU), is specifically designed to perform machine learning tasks directly on the satellite, such as detecting clouds in the captured images. By identifying and discarding images with significant cloud cover, PhiSat-1 can significantly reduce the amount of data that needs to be transmitted to the ground, thus saving valuable bandwidth and improving the overall efficiency of the mission. A follow-up mission, PhiSat-2, to be equipped with multispectral imager is already in the works.

Another innovative concept being explored is data fusion, which involves combining data from different types of satellite sensors. Currently, this process is primarily performed on the ground, but performing it in space could offer several advantages. By equipping satellites with the necessary hardware and software, data fusion can be done more efficiently and quickly, providing real-time insights. This could be particularly useful in emergency situations, where rapid access to accurate information is critical.

For example, consider a natural disaster scenario like a forest fire. By fusing data from optical, short- and longe-range IR sensors on a single satellite, responders could quickly assess the extent of the fire, identify hotspots, and even predict its future behavior. This information would be invaluable for coordinating firefighting efforts and mitigating damage to communities and ecosystems.

In conclusion, the future of EO satellite technology is bright, with new approaches such as in-space processing and data fusion offering novel and efficient solutions for businesses across various industries. By harnessing the power of machine learning algorithms and advanced sensor technology, these methods have the potential to revolutionize the way we access and utilize Earth observation data, leading to innovative applications and valuable insights.

A Future of Space Computing Power In Orbit

A Future of Space Computing Power In Orbit

We’ve already talked a lot about space data and its potential to radically transform the global economy. However, the current paradigm is that the bulk of our data infrastructures sit here, on our home planet, and receive the data through ground stations scattered across the globe.

The challenges here are roughly similar for any kind of data – you need to connect points A-Z and form a network; you need good connectivity to ensure the data is carried efficiently; you need data centers, power supply and proper interfacing.

But what if the space segment could play a bigger role in this equation? What if satellites themselves became points of processing for data? What if we could establish edge computing frameworks comprising entire constellations of satellites packing powerful hardware? How would this change our current paradigm, and what opportunities would it open?

We have partnered with Exodus Orbitals to dive into this rabbit hole – and create radically new solutions to some of the challenges of Earth-based data delivery infrastructures.

Sfera Technologies and Exodus Orbitals to collaborate on space and ground segment applications

Exodus Orbitals and Sfera Technologies will work together on deploying prototype software in orbit. Sfera Technologies is working on an array of space-based software solutions for data management and scalability – and Exodus Orbitals will provide an early platform for these prototypes.

Exodus Orbitals satellite platform will allow seamless deployment and operations of third-party software applications in space in the same manner as it is currently possible with mobile, embedded or web applications on Earth.

Deployment on Exodus’ satellite will help Sfera to test and fast-track its software architecture to future mass deployment on large satellite constellations, providing unique services in security, data delivery optimization and data management.

So, what is edge computing in space and why compute in orbit?

An intersection of computing and space creates an opportunity to create another “edge” in the global “cloud” of processing capabilities that can become another platform for third-party software applications. Traditionally, satellite onboard computing and data processing subsystem was servicing the need of one specific mission and only one operations team. We propose to open up the satellites for software developer community that can express their ideas in the domain that was previously very difficult to access to outsiders.

  • Reduce downlink volumes to optimize EO data product delivery. This is in line with Sfera’s strategy to promote and build decentralized ecosystems and infrastructures to deliver EO data efficiently to all possible stakeholders. Edge computing in space is a key enabler of flexible data delivery channels, taking away some of the burden of terrestrial infrastructures and aiding the diversification of current Earth-based data infrastructures.
  • Allow the unlimited access to instrument data during normal satellite operations. As software on onboard computer have direct access to the payload subsystem, there is no limitation on how much data they can process. That allows algorithms to exploit from simple frame stacking to potentially infinite amounts of ML-specific tasks.
  • Allow efficient sharing of satellite resources between different applications using the same type of instrument. For example, some of the customers can be operating their apps over open ocean and some over specific land areas, without interfering with each other.
  • Help with development of reliable tools to seamlessly integrate space and ground segments, using on-satellite edge computing capability to simulate contacts with ground infrastructure.

In order to encourage growth of the ecosystem of space companies focusing on the intersection of computing and space, Edge Computing in Space Alliance was founded between a number of companies working on variety of software and hardware products. Several online events have been held, focusing on the platform and applications for in-space processing.

As members of ECSA, Sfera Technologies and Exodus Orbitals will establish a long-term cooperation on prototyping and deploying a variety of software solutions in a space environment.

The next steps

To enhance its terrestrial data delivery architecture, Sfera Technologies will use Exodus Orbitals’ upcoming satellite platform to test and deploy prototype applications optimizing data delivery streams and security frameworks. As part of this deployment, Sfera Technologies will engage the ground station network integrated with its HomePort platform; the prototype applications will be the first milestone of a long-term development roadmap for a data delivery infrastructure for a new era.

Zdravko Dimitrov, founder of Sfera Technologies, said:

“This collaboration with Exodus Orbitals and our participation in ECSA open a new chapter in our quest to make space data more accessible to everyone. Exodus Orbitals’ platform will provide us with an environment to securely and reliably test our initial applications before rolling them out on a constellation scale. Our companies share an out-of-the-box mentality when it comes to implementing specific solutions, and it’s a pleasure to be working with Exodus on building a new generation of space software.”

Dennis Silin, founder of Exodus Orbitals:

“We are building a new and exciting way to access in-space compute and instrument capabilities without the complexity and costs usually associated with satellites launch and operations. Our collaboration with Sfera Technologies will leverage advantages of this approach and help other ambitious companies to express their ideas in commercial space exploration.”

HomePort by Sfera Technologies: https://homeport.network/

Exodus Orbitals: https://exodusorbitals.com/

Our Space App SDK is released!

Our keystone product is now available for sale. It is a software development kit to create applications that can be deployed directly on the satellite, packaged in a single Python3 library. The target audience are the developers that don’t have extensive operational experience in space domain, but have a great idea that needs satellite capabilities. Multiple satellite types and applications are supported.

Inquire for pricing info at contact@exodusorbitals.com

Edge Computing in Space Alliance is Launched!

“Edge Computing in Space” is a new, emerging area in space industry that can open entirely new domain for software applications, similar in scale to web and mobile apps. While a number of companies are already working on different products and service in this niche, they all have to overcome perception and marketing challenges.

Therefore, a new chapter starts today, with the creation of “Edge Computing in Space Alliance” by joint efforts by Exodus Orbitals, Copernic Space, EXO-Space, LEOcloud, Modularity Space, Orbital Transports, Skywatch and Spiral Blue:

https://ecsa.space/

Our first online event is coming up soon! Feel free to contact me if you are interested in becoming a member of our alliance at ecsa@exodusorbitals.com

Exodus Orbitals graduates from Moonshot space incubator program

Exodus Orbitals are delighted to be one of five recent graduates from Australia’s first space-focused incubator program — Moonshot.

Launched in 2017, Moonshot is a specialist space-focused incubator and investment fund dedicated to ventures in areas including satellites, launch facilities, and robotics. Their incubator program set out to support ambitious startups, including Exodus Orbitals, and enable them to conduct commercial Research and Development in order to boost their technologies.

We are very grateful to be one of two Canadian startups that were selected for the program and for the support from Moonshot’s inspiring team of mentors, which includes experts from Fleet Space Technologies, Gilmour Space Technologies, and Google.

Having successfully graduated from the 12-week program, Exodus Orbitals are aiming to make space exploration more accessible for businesses across a wide range of sectors. We are building an ambitious solution for the challenges of the space industry, offering a way for customers to run their software payload on a shared “satellites-as-a-service” platform.

With Exodus Orbitals, businesses will no longer have to pay the price of a full satellite mission, instead saving money and time by booking orbits on a shared satellite, and running their applications either on the ground or directly through the satellite on-board computer. This groundbreaking approach dramatically lowers cost for businesses and allows almost instant access for hundreds of application cases in Earth Observation, Communication and Surveillance domains.

Stay tuned for further updates!

Exodus Orbitals and Modularity Space to Create a “Satellite-as-a-Service” Platform for Software Applications in Space

The Combination of Exodus Orbitals and Modularity Space’s Expertise Will Provide Millions of Users Worldwide a New Way For Application Development, Testing and Operations in Space

Daytona Beach, US & Toronto, Canada, June 30th 2021

Currently, the capabilities of the space industry are hidden behind a multitude of barriers: costs, restrictive rules to engage with satellite operators, gatekeeping behaviors of government agencies and individuals in charge. This limits “small league” commercial players from entering the market, where most of the future innovation will come from. For example, mobile developers today can develop a new iOS app with a spare iPhone and $100 AppStore fee. No such path exists in space industry to rapidly get a space service online, even in a nanosatellite sector. 

Exodus and Modularity envision a future where every farm owner or every small business operator can have their own satellite mission on a sub $1000 USD budget. A future where every amateur astronomer can afford dedicated time on real space telescope and a world that is connected even in the most remote and uninhabitable locations on Earth.  This partnership signifies the transitions from a single satellite hosting one mission for single customer, to hundreds of satellites hosting thousands of software-defined missions tailored to each specific customer. Within a few years, a farmer, a banker, and an amateur hobbyist can all have their own mission in the comfort of their own home. 

With great pleasure, Exodus Orbitals and Modularity Space are officially announcing the start of ambitious new initiative: a “satellite-as-a-service” platform to run software applications in space, by combining the respective powers of both companies: software development and reusable space engineering. Through this unique offering, millions of people worldwide will get their chance at participating in the upcoming space rush, on par with national space agencies and large aerospace companies – as soon as next year! What other initiative is more exciting in the space industry today than two companies partnering together to create the future of space?

About Exodus Orbitals Inc.

Exodus Orbitals specializes in the development of satellite virtualization solutions, allowing access to observation and processing capabilities in space through a seamless, hardware- and vendor-independent “satellite-as-a-service” business model, suitable for multiple satellites types in LEO and beyond. This space software technology has been space-qualified through a participation with the European Space Agency’s, OPS-SAT mission – a “software laboratory in space” satellite, a first of its kind. 

About Modularity Space

Modularity Space is leading the transition to reusable space systems by building the first constellation of reusable satellites, named “The Neighborhood”. Commercial space companies and governments can rent satellite space on the network to host their constellations and technologies instead of developing their own satellites. This innovative “Satellite Rental” service, combined with Modularity Space’s proprietary reusable satellite technology will provide the fastest, easiest, and most affordable space platform every designed.

Media Contacts:

Exodus Orbitals Inc.
Dennis Silin
+1 647-574-5047
dennis.silin@exodusorbitals.com

Modularity Space
Dean Ruger
+1 386-281-6753
contact@modularityspace.com

Another Partnership Agreement Signed !

LEOcloud and Exodus Orbitals Collaborate To Deliver Seamless Cloud Framework For Satellite-Hosted Applications

The Combination of Exodus Orbitals And LEOcloud Services Will Provide Developers A Satellite Host Environment for Application Development, Test and Operation

Ashburn, VA & Toronto, Canada, June 15th 2021 – LEOcloud and Exodus Orbitals announced today they have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop a go to market and services integration strategy that will enable end users to develop, integrate and test their satellite-hosted applications in a seamless terrestrial and satellite cloud framework.

LEOcloud’s Space Edge mission and strategy is to bring hybrid cloud edge computing services as close as possible to satellite-sourced data; and data collected from, and services delivered to remote regions of the world. End users can then operate their business or mission critical services or applications in a seamless hybrid cloud environment, and realize the lowest latency possible for conversion from raw to monetized or actionable data. LEOcloud’s point and click approach for the end user will enable the reservation of dynamic and scalable virtual Space Edge computing resources, cloud services, and satellite data sources.

Exodus Orbitals mission is to make space exploration accessible to everyone through their “satellite-as-a-service” virtualization platform, to be deployed on a variety of satellites in Low Earth Orbit. Using flight-proven technology validated through our work on European Space Agency OPS-SAT mission, Exodus Orbitals will open up a new development platform for the millions of users worldwide. Following the pattern of web and smartphone app markets, software applications in space will become a new area of exponential growth.

To deliver the benefits and capabilities of Space Edge, LEOcloud plans to  deploy Red Hat OpenShift, the industry’s leading enterprise Kubernetes platform, that’s purpose-built for the age of hybrid innovation and delivers a more consistent experience across all environments, including Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Red Hat OpenShift is optimized for developer productivity and innovation.  With Red Hat OpenShift as the part of the LEOcloud framework, users will be able to run LEOcloud services across the entirety of the hybrid cloud, including at the edge, unlocking more speed, agility and flexibility.

The integration of Exodus Orbitals and LEOcloud services will allow developers to develop, integrate and test their applications in the intended satellite target environment, just as a they would do on Earth.  The benefit to the developer is the shortest time to market with the highest confidence of predicted behavior and performance for satellite-hosted applications.

“The result of LEOcloud and Exodus Orbitals collaboration will be a framework where developers can quickly and confidently bring to market their satellite-hosted applications,” said Dennis R. Gatens, CEO and president of LEOcloud. “As smart phones created a high growth market opportunity for mobile applications, satellite-hosted cloud infrastructure and services will do the same.”

“By partnering with LEOcloud we can accelerate development of satellite-hosted application platform, bringing the power and flexibility of software-defined solutions to the next frontier of global economy” in the words of Dennis Silin, Executive Director and founder of Exodus Orbitals.  

About Exodus Orbitals Inc.

Exodus Orbitals specializes in development of satellite virtualization software, allowing access to observation and processing capabilities in space through a seamless, hardware- and vendor-independent “satellite-as-a-service” solution, suitable for deployment on multiple types of satellites in LEO and beyond. In this manner, our customers will be able to access spaceborne capabilities without costs, regulatory and engineering complexity of building and launching their own satellites. Exodus Orbitals is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

About LEOcloud, LLC

LEOcloud believes the intersection of cloud and space will bring great benefit to commercial and government organizations.  Our vision is to go beyond the integration of terrestrial cloud and space-based services, by bringing cloud services to the space edge and ultimately LEO in order for our customers to realize the lowest latency, highest availability and strongest security for their business or mission critical applications and services.  LEOcloud has offices in the United States and Italy.

Red Hat and OpenShift are trademarks or registered trademarks of Red Hat, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and other countries.

Media Contacts:

Exodus Orbitals Inc.
Dennis Silin
+1 647-574-5047
dennis.silin@exodusorbitals.com

LEOcloud, LLC
Dennis R. Gatens
+1 571.577.0726
dennis.gatens@leocloud.space