Red Hat and Axiom Space team up to launch Orbital Data Centre Unit-1

The AxDCU-1 launch represents a major milestone in Axiom Space’s mission to bring industrial-grade infrastructure to space, paving the way for businesses to consider space as a viable operational domain

Axiom Space and Red Hat have announced a collaboration to launch Axiom Space’s Data Centre Unit-1 (AxDCU-1) to the International Space Station (ISS) in spring 2025. Powered by Red Hat Device Edge, this prototype will test data processing capabilities in space, marking a significant step in the development of orbital data centers (ODCs). The initiative aims to enhance space-based cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), data fusion, and space cybersecurity.

AxDCU-1 will serve as an early prototype to demonstrate the viability of on-orbit data processing, helping reduce delays traditionally associated with space data analysis. By using Earth-independent cloud storage and edge processing infrastructure, the system will process data closer to its source—whether from spacecraft or satellites—eliminating the need for terrestrial data centers. This infrastructure promises more efficient, secure, and faster decision-making by bypassing slow or unreliable terrestrial network connections.

Red Hat Device Edge combines enterprise-grade technology with open-source software, including MicroShift—a lightweight Kubernetes distribution from Red Hat. It also incorporates Red Hat Enterprise Linux and the Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform, offering Axiom Space the ability to host hybrid cloud applications and cloud-native workloads on-orbit. This setup enables Axiom Space to bring advanced computing capabilities to space while ensuring the reliability and security of operations.

Axiom Space’s ODCs are part of a broader initiative to provide tangible benefits on Earth by enhancing space-based infrastructure. These data centers will enable real-time data processing, vital for a range of applications such as AI/ML training, space weather analytics, and cybersecurity. For example, ODCs could assist Earth observation satellites by providing in-space data storage with lower latency, supporting AI-driven processes, and offering advanced security measures like multi-factor authentication and intrusion detection.

The AxDCU-1 launch represents a major milestone in Axiom Space’s mission to bring industrial-grade infrastructure to space, paving the way for businesses to consider space as a viable operational domain. Axiom’s vision includes creating scalable ODCs that provide crucial data capabilities, such as off-planet backup and disaster recovery, for critical Earth-based infrastructure.

Tony James, Chief Architect of Science and Space at Red Hat, highlighted the importance of edge computing in space operations. “Off-planet data processing is the next frontier, and with Red Hat Device Edge, space missions will be able to make real-time decisions with greater reliability,” he said.

Jason Aspiotis, Global Director of In-Space Data and Security at Axiom Space, expressed excitement about the partnership, noting that incorporating Earth-based cloud solutions into ODCs will improve the transition of workloads from Earth to space, enhancing security and minimizing latency.

This collaboration signals a new era in space technology, offering the potential to transform industries by enabling more efficient and secure operations in space, while simultaneously benefiting life on Earth.