Red Hat and Axiom Space have partnered to collaborate on Axiom Space’s Data Center Unit-1 (AxDCU-1). In spring 2025, the data processing prototype is hoping to be launched to the International Space Station. It is powered by Red Hat Device Edge and will conduct tests on the space station and demonstrate initial Orbital Data Centre (ODC) capabilities.
“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," Chief Architect for Science and Space at Red Hat Tony James stated.
AxDCU-1 will test applications in cloud computing, artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML), data fusion and space cybersecurity.
”We are excited about the possibilities this collaboration with Red Hat enables for ODC infrastructure and the future of space operations,” said Jason Aspiotis, global director of in-space data and security at Axiom Space. “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," Global Director of In-space Data and Security of Axiom Space Jason Aspiotis said.
Red Hat Device Edge combines the Red Hat-led open source community project MicroShift, a lightweight Kubernetes distribution derived from the edge capabilities of Red Hat OpenShift, along with Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform. Red Hat Device Edge will allow Axiom Space to host hybrid cloud applications and cloud-native workloads on-orbit.