Axiom Space Collaborates to Advance In-Space Data Processing and Cybersecurity Solutions

Axiom Space collaborated with Amazon Web Services (AWS), Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation (JAMSS), Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), and SpiderOak to demonstrate an array of in-space data processing capabilities relevant to emerging mesh network applications.

Axiom Space worked with AWS in April 2022 to install an AWS Snowcone edge computer on the International Space Station – a small, rugged, and secure device offering edge computing, data storage, and data transfer capabilities in environments with little or no connectivity. The Snowcone device has been on orbit ever since and is being utilized for demonstrations of space-based data processing capabilities.

“Today, the Axiom Space team is laser-focused on rapidly onboarding and demonstrating use cases in space-based data processing,” said Jason Aspiotis, Director of In-Space Infrastructure & Logistics for Axiom Space. “Our commercial space station, Axiom Station, will enable all that comes next – from data processing infrastructure in support of human spaceflight and on-orbit research, to the proliferation of in-space manufacturing activities, to support for emerging mesh networking needs in low-Earth orbit.”

The first demonstration of this capability was with JAMSS in April 2023 to test its Automated File Dump System (JAFDS). The demonstration used the Axiom Space-provided Snowcone to autonomously downlink, validate, and retransmit large files from the space station to the ground. This capability has the potential to help future Axiom Station customers transmit large amounts of data from space and help researchers quickly analyze the data on Earth. It could also be used to transmit large files from space stations to satellites, or from satellites to satellites.

The second demonstration was with SwRI in June 2023 to test a software tool that remotely updates and repairs spacecraft software using less time and data than conventional techniques. The tool not only improves the overall efficiency of satellite and space station software transmissions, but also has the potential to recover data from failed over-the-air updates and malicious cyberattacks. It works by identifying missing bytes and other errors before deploying a custom “micropatch” to the damaged or missing software.

The third demonstration was with SpiderOak in August 2023 to deploy and test its OrbitSecure technology. OrbitSecure successfully demonstrated sending and receiving secure operational traffic between the ground and the space station. The demonstration validated the potential of containerized workloads in a microgravity environment, establishing a secure, software-defined model applicable to the unique challenges of space operations and the emerging mesh network in Earth’s orbit.

The SwRI and SpiderOak capabilities are critical to the cybersecurity of space stations and satellites in the mesh network. “The evolving space threat landscape requires a paradigm shift in the way we think about cybersecurity on space systems,” said Andy Corriveau, Space Cybersecurity Architect for Axiom Space. “We must prove that defensive cyber operations and zero-trust principles are achievable on space assets in order to support secure and safe operations. Space systems can no longer afford to accept security through obscurity. It is critical for Axiom Space and the larger space industry to demonstrate and mature cybersecurity capabilities that can meet today’s evolving threats.”

At Axiom Space, we’re leading a global community to advance cybersecurity capabilities that can meet future challenges. Axiom Space and its partners will continue to demonstrate in-space data processing and cybersecurity use cases with more demonstrations planned in 2023 and 2024.

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