Clouds in Space: Scientific Computing using Windows Azure

Abstract

In this paper we report upon the cloud-based solution that we designed and implemented for space situational awareness. We begin by introducing the background to the work and to the area of space situational awareness. This concerns tracking the hundreds of thousands of known objects in near-Earth orbits, and determining where it is necessary for satellite operators to conduct collision-avoidance manoeuvres to protect their satellites. We also discuss active debris removal, which would be necessary to stabilise the debris population at current levels. We examine the strengths that cloud-based solutions offer in general and how these specifically fit to the challenges of space situational awareness, before describing the architecture we designed for this problem. We demonstrate the feasibility of solving the space situational awareness problem with a cloud-based architecture and note that as time goes on and debris levels rise due to future collisions, the inherent scalability offered by a cloud-based solution will be invaluable.

Transport layer optimization for cloud computing applications via satellite: TCP Noordwijk+

“…With this approach, data and externally accessible cloud services are used to store and allow consumers to retrieve the appropriate data. Finally in [12], authors address the "Cloud in Space" project, which aims to demonstrate how a cloud-based architecture can be applied to the Space Situational Awareness (SSA) in order to produce an active debris removal solution. Currently, ESA and European national space agencies rely on information from outside sources to form an awareness of space assets and the environment in which they operate.…”

Research Advancements in Key Technologies for Space-Based Situational Awareness

“…Therefore, as an advanced distrib-uted processing method on the cutting edge, cloud computing [50] has been widely developed to overcome massive computations and data-intensive challenges. It processes big data for the SSA relying on flexible storage, rapid computation, and effective filtering [51]. Furthermore, the ondemand scalability of available and reliable pooled computing resources can facilitate secure and rapid access to metered services from anywhere.…”

Cloud Based Architecture Solution for Aircraft Flight Data Recorder

“…Nowadays many individuals and businesses use cloud-based services for email, web searching, photo sharing and social networking. Scientists and engineers use a similar paradigm to make use of massive amounts of computer and data handling resources provided by companies such as Amazon, Microsoft and Google [15].…”