Thales Alenia Space will test cutting edge computing aboard the International Space Station

Thales Alenia Space has partnered with Microsoft to test Azure-based onboard processing capabilities aboard the International Space Station. The two players are also continuing to collaborate on AI-based geospatial monitoring tools.

AdvertisingThales Alenia Space, a joint venture of Thales and Leonardo, develops solutions for communications, Earth observation, exploration and orbital infrastructure. The company will work with Microsoft to test the processing capabilities aboard the International Space Station (ISS), called SEC (Space Edge Computing). In 2023, Thales Alenia Space will deploy an advanced computing processing payload aboard the station, running on the Azure platform. Microsoft will be responsible for the software architecture and embedded development kit (SDK), while Thales Alenia Space will develop the computer hardware (computer and sensors) as well as data collection and logging systems. Developers will then be able to use this environment to develop data processing applications as close as possible to Earth observation systems.

The two players will also enhance their collaboration that began in April 2021 around artificial intelligence (AI), by integrating DeeperVision, an artificial intelligence program designed by Thales Alenia Space to analyze Earth observation data, on the Microsoft Azure Orbital platform, a cloud-based ground station. A foundation that allows for integrating spatial data directly into Azure. DeeperVision will also be part of the instruments to be operated on the SEC aboard the International Space Station. Finally, the two partners wish to accelerate the deployment of ground stations and expand communication coverage, by designing and marketing a joint offer of ground-segment managed services (the means and equipment on the ground necessary for space missions).