Computing closer to the source – turning space data into operational capability

Computing closer to the source – turning space data into operational capability

The amount of data generated by space-based systems is growing rapidly. More sensors, higher-resolution payloads and increasingly capable satellites create new opportunities for defence and security but collecting data is only the first step.

At Space Innovation Forum in Kiruna, Expando joined companies and organisations from across the Swedish and European space ecosystem to discuss the technologies and collaborations needed to turn space-based data into real capability.

One topic was particularly relevant to us: what happens to the data once it reaches the ground?

From collecting data to using it

Satellites and sensors can collect enormous amounts of information. But data only becomes valuable when it can be received, stored, processed and transformed into information that people and systems can act on.

As the amount of collected data increases, so does the requirement for computing and storage capacity on the ground.

For defence applications, moving every workload to a distant data centre or relying entirely on continuous connectivity may not always be practical. Processing data closer to where it is received can reduce the amount of information that needs to be transferred further and shorten the path from collection to analysis and operational use.

This creates a clear role for high-performance edge computing and storage on the ground, infrastructure capable of receiving and processing large amounts of data close to the point of collection.

Building the infrastructure behind the data

During Space Innovation Forum, Henrik Plym-Forshell from Expando discussed these requirements alongside representatives from companies including OHB Sweden, Beyond Gravity and Frontgrade Gaisler.

The different parts of the space ecosystem are closely connected. Satellites and sensors collect the data. Communication systems bring it back to Earth. But on the ground, infrastructure is needed to store, process and make that data usable.

For defence, that infrastructure may also need to operate outside conventional data centres and in environments where connectivity, power or other supporting infrastructure cannot always be taken for granted.

This is where Expando sees a clear connection between our experience in advanced electronics for space and rugged high-performance computing and storage for defence.

The objective is not simply to collect more data.

It is to shorten the distance between data and decision.