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Microsoft Pushes Cloud Computing to Space; Launches Azure Space

Oct. 30, 2020, 1:42 p.m.

TL;DR

Microsoft recently announced the expansion of its cloud computing services to the space industry through Azure Space. Cloud computing data centers can now be deployed in any part of the world to connect to SES’ O3b internet satellites and SpaceX’s Starlink.

Microsoft aims to partner with more organizations in the space industry to bring Azure’s capabilities to solve mission-critical space needs

Key Facts

1
Azure Space is designed for Govt. agencies and private industries that want to use satellites' information, but do not want to invest in ground infrastructure.
2
Microsoft brought together renowned veterans of the space industry and their best engineers and scientists to cater to space cloud computing's unique needs.
3
Microsoft has partnered with SpaceX Starlink to provide high-speed broadband for the new Azure Modular Datacenter. The MDC is a contained unit that can operate offline using its own satellite network connectivity add-on.
4
Partnering with SES, Microsoft aims to extend connectivity between cloud edge devices and cloud datacenter regions.
5
Microsoft also announced the Azure Orbital Emulator, a digital environment for conducting satellite constellation simulations and test AI algorithms.

Details

Microsoft’s Azure Space offers cloud computing solutions both on earth as well as in space. With the new launch, Microsoft can now compete with AWS (Amazon Web Service) and Google Cloud. AWS currently holds $34.6 billion, the largest chunk of the cloud computing market. It supports everything from satellite design to spaceflight operations for both private and public organizations in the space sector.

The tech space race is intensifying, offering more investment opportunities in the cloud computing market. Space exploration technology is being mostly driven by private companies with just a few public companies like Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc., and Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc.

Azure Space can provide high-performance computing, data analytics, and machine learning. Coupled with resilient satellite communications, it opens up new opportunities in both the private and public sectors.

Microsoft aims to partner with more organizations in the space industry to bring Azure’s capabilities to solve mission-critical space needs. Keeping in line, the tech giant had recently announced Azure Orbital ground station service and ExpressRoute partnerships with SES, Intelsat, and ViaSat. These partnerships aim to bring valuable data from geosynchronous satellites directly into Azure.

Microsoft is taking the next giant leap in cloud computing – to space. With the enormous challenges #space presents, there also comes great opportunity. Today, I am sharing details about our strategy for Azure Space. https://t.co/KrQkIL0hPS
— Tom Keane (@tomwkeane) October 20, 2020