Ex Terra Podcast - Rick Ward @ OrbitsEdge

Edge computing brings computation and data storage closer to the location where it is needed, to improve response times and save bandwidth. Satellites create an enormous amount of data which needs to be transmitted to Earth. Our guest on this edition of The Ex Terra Podcast has founded a company which looks to solve the problems inherent is that transaction.

Rick Ward is the founder of Space Edge Computing company OrbitsEdge. The company intends to deliver high-performance computing datacenters in orbit, above the clouds, which can process and analyze the vast amounts of data being created in space.

The OrbitsEdge core mission is to provide an in-orbit virtualized data infrastructure at the edge of space that’s agile and adapts to new demands turning data into actionable insights.

The OrbitsEdge cornerstone infrastructure solution will substantially increase computing power in space and reduce the bottlenecks of analyzing space data on Earth, according to Ward.

To keep up with the rate of change and the number of satellites being launched into Low Earth Orbit, new services have to be made available. Shipping data back to terrestrial clouds is impractical, however today it is the only choice. Placing industry standard high performance Edge technology at the edge of space can help us keep up with the rate of change.

Ward says their advantage is the delivery of resources where needed for space-based IoT. OrbitsEdge will provide a faster, more competitive option for processing data.

NASA selected OrbitsEdge to participate as finalists in the 2020 NASA iTech Cycle II forum. The NASA iTech initiative seeks trailblazing technologies that could enhance NASA’s missions while also improving life on Earth. This current cycle specifically called for innovative technologies in the areas of power generation and energy, integrated photonics, advanced engineered materials, and miniaturized systems. NASA also left open a category for “X-factor innovations,” technologies and concepts that may not fit the other prescribed categories but still sparked the agency’s curiosity.

Website: https://orbitsedge.com/