International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD)

Volume 8 Issue 5, Sep-Oct 2024 Available Online: www.ijtsrd.com e-ISSN: 2456 – 6470

Cloud Computing in Space Exploration

Matthew N. O. Sadiku1, Paul A. Adekunte2, Janet O. Sadiku3
1
Roy G. Perry College of Engineering, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX, USA
2
International Institute of Professional Security, Lagos, Nigeria
3
Juliana King University, Houston, TX, USA

ABSTRACT How to cite this paper: Matthew N. O.

Cloud computing is the on-demand delivery of computing resources, Sadiku | Paul A. Adekunte | Janet O.
such as storage, processing power, and applications, via the Internet. Sadiku "Cloud Computing in Space
It uses the Internet to quickly access, study, and read data over a Exploration" Published in International
Journal of Trend in
shared server. Cloud technology is now transcending earth into space.
Scientific Research
In the space exploration, cloud computing plays a pivotal role in and Development
managing the vast amounts of data generated by satellites, telescopes, (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-
and other space-based assets. The adoption of cloud services by space 6470, Volume-8 |
industry players has increased significantly. These players have been Issue-5, October
making strategic moves to integrate space technology into their cloud 2024, pp.1161- IJTSRD70522
services. Satellite-based cloud computing has the potential to 1167, URL:
revolutionize space exploration. This paper reviews the role cloud www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd70522.pdf
computing plays in the space exploration.
Copyright © 2024 by author (s) and
KEYWORDS: cloud computing, space exploration, space International Journal of Trend in
colonization, aerospace Scientific Research and Development
Journal. This is an
Open Access article
distributed under the
terms of the Creative Commons
Attribution License (CC BY 4.0)
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)

INTRODUCTION
Cloud computing is a means of pooling and sharing processing, access to information, communication,
hardware and software resources on a massive scale. monitoring. Cloud service providers should target
Users and businesses can access applications from government organizations, satellite operators, and
anywhere in the world at any time. Companies space exploration players that are keen to use cloud
offering these computing services are called cloud computing in their low-Earth orbit and lunar
providers and typically charge for cloud computing activities. The transition from the ISS to commercial
services based on usage [1]. Some features of cloud space stations will generate new opportunities for
computing are displayed in Figure 1 [2]. The goal of partnerships between space industry players and
cloud engineering is to create a highly scalable, cloud service providers [4].
flexible, and secure computing environment that can CLOUD COMPUTING BASICS
support the needs of modern businesses. Here on Cloud computing represents a newly emerging
planet Earth, cloud computing has revolutionized the service-oriented computing technology. It is the
way we access and analyze data. provision of scalable computing resources as a
Space activity and exploration have a huge impact on service over the Internet. It allows manufacturers to
daily life on earth. The space economy has seen use many forms of new production systems such as
significant advancements in recent years, with more 3D printing, high-performance computing (HPC),
companies exploring and commercializing space- industrial Internet of things (IIoT), and industrial
related technologies. Space exploration is going robots. It is transforming virtually every facet of
through a major transformation period [3]. Cloud modern manufacturing. It is innovating, reducing
computing has emerged as a crucial factor in cost, and bolstering the competitiveness of American
achieving success and progress for space exploration. manufacturing [5].
It is used in space exploration for a variety of reasons, The key characteristic of cloud computing is the
including data storage and management, data virtualization of computing resources and services.

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Cloud computing is implemented in one of three exchange of an ever-increasing amount of data, much
major formats: software as a service (SAAS), of it tactical, are crucial elements for the country's
platform as a service (PAAS), or infrastructure as a defense.
service (IAAS). These services are illustrated in
Cloud computing is making its way into space as
Figure 2 [6] and explained as follows: cloud suppliers continue to push the frontiers of the
SaaS: This is a software delivery model in which technology. Satellite-based cloud computing refers to
software and associated data are hosted on the cloud. the use of satellites to provide cloud computing
In this model, cloud service providers offer on- services, such as storage, processing, and software
demand access to computing resources such as virtual applications, to users on the ground. This can be
machines and cloud storage. Nowadays oil & gas useful in remote or underserved areas where
companies transition to cloud computing and traditional Internet infrastructure is lacking. The
implement SaaS solutions for operations. satellite-based cloud computing is still in the
development phase, but it can potentially bring cloud
PaaS allows the end-user to create a software solution
computing capabilities to places where it was
using tools or libraries from the platform service
previously unavailable. One of the key benefits of
provider. In this model, cloud service providers
satellite-based cloud computing is its ability to
deliver computing platforms such as programming
offload data to ground-based data centers for
and execution.
processing and analysis. Satellite-based cloud
In the IaaS model, cloud service providers can rent computing can also support autonomous operations
manufacturing equipment such as 3D printers. on spacecraft [9].
Just like cloud computing, CM services can be APPLICATION OF CLOUD COMPUTING IN
categorized into three major deployment models SPACE
(public, private, and hybrid clouds) [7]: The space economy has experienced significant
 Private cloud refers to a centralized management growth in recent years, driven by advancements in
effort in which manufacturing services are shared technology, increased investment, and a growing
within one company or its subsidiaries. A private interest in space exploration and commercialization.
cloud is often used exclusively by one The possible applications of cloud tech to space travel
organization, possibly with multiple business are many. The following are typical applications:
units.  Space Cloud: This refers to utilizing satellites in
 Public cloud realizes the key concept of sharing low-earth orbit to provide cloud computing
services with the general public. Public clouds are services. It is widely considered to be the next
commonly implemented through data centers frontier in cloud computing, offering potential for
operated by providers such as Amazon, Google, significantly reduced latency, global reach, and
IBM, and Microsoft. enhanced data processing capabilities, particularly
for applications requiring real-time data analysis
 Hybrid cloud that spans multiple configurations. and remote locations with limited terrestrial
and is a composed of two or more clouds (private, connectivity. Space cloud offers a unique solution
community or public), offering the benefits of to data management, along with unparalleled
multiple deployment modes. processing speed, flexibility, storage capacity and
These models are shown in Figure 3 [8]. Cloud security on a global scale. The space cloud
computing finds application in almost every field initiative integrates cloud infrastructure, AI, and
supercomputing within a secure network of
CLOUD COMPUTING IN SPACE satellites orbiting the earth. Space cloud is
EXPLORATION expected to have a transformative influence on
Space exploration is one of the most challenging and how governments and defense forces utilize and
complex tasks humanity has ever undertaken. It share data. Space cloud pushes the boundaries
requires advanced space technologies and techniques further to overcome limitations of speed, capacity,
to overcome the obstacles it presents. One such latency and security [10].
technology that has the potential to revolutionize
space exploration is satellite-based cloud computing.  In-space Data Center: This may be the next step
Satellite-based cloud computing can unlock the for space cloud computing. Right now, everything
potential of space exploration by improving data is sent back to earth for storage and processing. In
processing and analysis, enabling autonomous the future, data centers may be deployed in space
operations, and enhancing collaboration and to improve data transmission speed and
coordination. The management, security, and rapid processing power capacity. The

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commercialization of the low-Earth orbit (LEO) making by reducing space-to-ground data
market and long-term lunar and space exploration transmissions.
missions will increase the use of data centers in
 Storage: Storing data in space offers a secure
space. The transition from the International Space
backup solution that is less vulnerable to natural
Station (ISS) to commercial space stations are the
disasters, enhancing communication and data
main factors that will boost the use of in-space
network resilience. Increased activity and the
data centers. Figure 4 displays the Destiny
growing number of satellite constellations are
Module inside the ISS, where astronauts perform
driving the demand for data storage in space.
many of their experiments [3]. Applications
related to earth observation, communications,  Accessibility: Space-based cloud extends the
science, and human spaceflight will drive the use reach of data processing capabilities to remote
of data centers in space. Government players areas lacking the accessibility to traditional
drive most of the demand for in-space data ground-based cloud infrastructure.
centers in the science sector because they conduct  Security: The space environment mitigates risks
most of the major scientific missions. R&D is of cyberattack and physical tampering risks,
required to overcome the major challenges ensuring secure data transmission and storage.
regarding the implementation of in-space data
centers.  Situational Awareness: Integrating data gathered
and processed from satellites and unmanned aerial
 Space Economy: Cloud computing has become an vehicles enables more comprehensive asset
integral part of the growing space economy. tracking and threat monitoring, enhancing
Numerous space economy businesses are situational awareness.
currently using cloud computing for a diverse
range of applications. By leveraging cloud-based  Autonomy: Autonomous operations, such as
platforms, space economy businesses can scale taking images or adjusting the spacecraft’s
their operations, reduce costs, and drive trajectory, require significant computing power
innovation in space-related applications and and storage. These operations can be performed
services. In order to see the space cloud succeed, on a cloud-based infrastructure which allows for
technologists must get innovative on how to real-time adjustments and decision making. This
efficiently transmit and store data collected from can greatly enhance the capabilities of spacecraft,
space probes and spacecraft. A space cloud would allowing them to perform complex tasks with
provide more efficient storage and transmission minimal human intervention.
methods, so that power consumption would be  Collaboration: Cloud-based platforms foster
reduced [11]. collaboration between teams and organizations,
BENEFITS streamlining the development of new space
Cloud computing enables real-time communication technologies. Satellite-based cloud computing
between the rover and mission control on earth, plays a critical role in collaboration and
facilitating remote operation and data transmission. coordination among space agencies and
Less reliance on ground networks minimizes external organizations. A centralized platform for
influence, ensuring uninterrupted operations crucial collaboration can be provided through cloud
for national security. Cloud-based services are finding computing, allowing team members to access and
their way into space to analyze satellite imagery and share data and resources easily. Engineers,
monitor space debris. Other benefits include [9,10]: scientists, and other professionals can work
 Decision Making: Space cloud facilitates in-orbit together seamlessly, accessing and sharing data
decision-making, which includes reactive from any location.
planning, scheduling decisions, and complex  Cost-Effectiveness: Satellite-based cloud
resource management within space networks. The computing can help to reduce the costs of space
Spaceborne Computer-2 on the International missions. By offloading data processing and
Space Station (ISS) is already using artificial analysis to ground-based data centers, spacecraft
intelligence, machine learning and cloud can more efficiently use their limited resources
processing to make predictions and draw while also gaining access to more powerful
conclusions. Figure 5 shows the Spaceborne computing resources.
Computer-2 on the ISS [3].
 Scalability: Cloud computing enables
 Reduced Latency: Processing data in orbit organizations to scale their infrastructure
minimizes latency, facilitating real-time decision- according to their needs, providing a flexible

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environment for data storage and processing. As computing power at the astronauts’ fingertips and
companies grow and their data requirements a better pipeline for sharing information.
change, they can easily adjust their cloud
 Astronauts’ Healthcare: A major challenge
resources, ensuring they can efficiently manage
addresses the needs of healthcare for astronauts
their operations.
on longer space missions. The effects on a human
 Cost Optimization: Cloud computing allows body of lengthy sojourns in space are not fully
businesses to optimize costs by paying only for known, making technology that allows frequent
the resources they use. The pay-as-you-go model monitoring of changes over time especially
offered by cloud providers helps organizations important.
better manage their budgets and avoid investing
CONCLUSION
in expensive physical infrastructure.
We are living in a new era in which data and software
 Data Analysis: Space economy companies can be accessed anywhere with an Internet
generate vast amounts of data from various connection. Cloud computing is crucial for space
sources, such as satellites, telescopes, and space exploration because all the new missions emerging in
probes. Cloud computing facilitates the rapid space in the next 10 or 20 years are going to require
analysis of this data by providing access to cloud-based technology. Governments and cloud
powerful data processing and analytics tools. service providers should work with space industry
 Space Debris: Another area where cloud players to increase the use of in-space cloud
technology could be applied in space is the computing. Engineers and researchers across
identification and management of space debris, companies should work together to improve
which astronauts at the International Space communication and enabling experiments that will
Station have had to navigate around to prevent propel astronauts further into space while improving
catastrophic collisions. Figure 6 shows an artist's the lives of the earthbound as well. More information
conception of just some of the trillions of pieces on the integration of cloud technology into space
of debris orbiting the Earth [12]. exploration is available from the books in [13-15].

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Figure 1 Some features of cloud computing [2].

Figure 2 Three types of cloud computing services [6].

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Figure 3 Cloud computing models [8].

Figure 4 The Destiny Module inside the ISS [3].

Figure 5 The Spaceborne Computer-2 on the ISS [3].

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Figure 6 An artist's conception of pieces of debris orbiting the Earth [12].

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