Red Hat partners with Axiom for station data centre launch

Red Hat and Axiom Space have announced a collaboration to launch Axiom Space's Data Centre Unit-1 (AxDCU-1) to the International Space Station in spring 2025.

This partnership aims to advance the development of commercial orbital data centres, with Red Hat Device Edge playing a pivotal role. This technology will be deployed to the space station, enabling in-space data processing crucial for applications such as artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), cloud computing, and cybersecurity.

The deployment of AxDCU-1 marks progress in the creation of space infrastructure that supports in-space data processing. Red Hat Device Edge integrates an enterprise-ready distribution of MicroShift, a lightweight Kubernetes distribution from the Red Hat OpenShift edge capabilities, alongside Red Hat Enterprise Linux and the Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform. This combination will support hosting hybrid cloud applications and workloads in the orbital environment.

Axiom Space's Orbital Data Centres (ODCs) are positioned to reduce the dependency on terrestrial-based networks. By processing data nearer to its source - whether on spacecraft or satellites - the architecture is designed to eliminate reliance on slow and sometimes unreliable connections to ground data centres, leading to faster and more secure decision-making processes in space.

The aims of the project include providing real-time processing capabilities for Axiom Space and its partners, contributing to enhanced reliability and improved space cybersecurity. Potential use cases for the developed ODCs are wide-ranging, including data storage and processing for Earth observation satellites, AI/ML training in orbit, cyber intrusion detection, and space weather analytics.

AxDCU-1 will be a step forward in Axiom Space's agenda to introduce space-compatible infrastructure to industries. This initiative is part of broader efforts, including the development of Axiom Station and scalable ODCs, to support living and working in space, whilst offering benefits to Earth-based life.

Tony James, Chief Architect for Science and Space at Red Hat, expressed the significance of this collaboration: "Off-planet data processing is the next frontier, and edge computing is a crucial component. With Red Hat Device Edge and in collaboration with Axiom Space, Earth-based mission partners will have the capabilities necessary to make real-time decisions in space with greater reliability and consistency."

Jason Aspiotis, Global Director of In-Space Data and Security at Axiom Space, commented on the potential of the endeavour: "We are excited about the possibilities this collaboration with Red Hat enables for ODC infrastructure and the future of space operations. Infusing terrestrial-grade cloud solutions into ODCs will enable users to seamlessly transition and enhance their terrestrial workloads to orbit while leveraging the lower latency and increased security inherent with ODCs."

Red Hat is the provider of enterprise open source software solutions, using a community-powered approach to deliver reliable and high-performing Linux, hybrid cloud, container and Kubernetes technologies. Red Hat helps customers integrate new and existing IT applications, develop cloud-native applications, standardise operating systems, and automate, secure, and manage complex environments.

Axiom Space is building the world's first commercial space station - Axiom Station. Serving as a cornerstone for sustained human presence in space, this next-generation orbital platform fosters groundbreaking innovation and research in microgravity, and cultivates the vibrant, global space economy of tomorrow.