Off World Computing: Red Hat Takes a Bold Step
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10.1 is currently soaring at an altitude of 250 miles or 400 km, powering a quirky space datacenter. Voyager’s LEOcloud Space Edge “micro” datacenter, deployed via a SpaceX Falcon 9, has been orbiting the ISS since September. This initiative aims to demonstrate the exceptional capabilities of processing data in orbit, eliminating the need to send it back to Earth. Voyager claims this method can reduce latency by up to 30 times compared to terrestrial connections. Talk about fast.
Creating a Micro Datacenter in Orbit
Initially developed by LEOcloud before being acquired by Voyager last year, the Space Edge is designed for low-power data processing in orbit. With both businesses and governments increasingly reliant on space data, the capacity to process it there is becoming critically important, according to Voyager and Red Hat. However, they aren’t the only ones voicing this sentiment. SpaceX, Amazon, Google, and Nvidia have announced their intentions to deploy AI datacenters in space. Some even aim to pack an impressive 100kW of computing power into a single satellite. Voyager hasn’t disclosed hardware specifics, referring to it simply as “space-hardened managed cloud infrastructure.” Given its presence in space, hardening is a significant issue due to charged particles and radiation potentially causing disruptions. HPE’s Spacebourne experienced numerous challenges during its ISS mission back in 2017, including multiple SSD failures.
Voyager’s Space Edge Configuration
We’ve reached out to Voyager to discuss what data their “micro” datacenter will be processing. If they stop ignoring our inquiries, you’ll be the first to find out. It’s assumed that the Space Edge isn’t particularly powerful, as promotional images suggest it’s roughly the size of a shoebox, implying limited component space compared to terrestrial servers. What is clear is that RHEL 10.1 and Red Hat’s Universal Base Image (UBI) are currently operational on the ISS. Space Edge utilizes RHEL in image mode, resetting to a stable state upon reboot, effectively addressing “configuration drift” issues by simply restarting. Sounds like a real blessing for IT professionals. They’ve also implemented Red Hat’s UBI container image running under Podman, an alternative to Docker that inherently operates without root and daemon.
Aiming for the Stars: Companies Expanding Their Horizons
RHEL 10.1 achieving orbit is part of a broader initiative by key players to establish space as the next technological frontier. While this isn’t entirely uncharted, the scale of their aspirations is unprecedented. SpaceX and Amazon are both eager to deploy extensive constellations of AI satellite computing platforms. SpaceX filed proposals to launch nearly a million space datacenters in February, while Amazon is targeting a more ‘manageable’ 51,600. The tricky aspect is how to lower costs compared to just building more infrastructure on Earth. Some space startup experts contend that we need to reduce launch costs to $10 per kilogram before it becomes viable. At present, a Falcon 9 rideshare costs approximately $7,000 per kilogram. Best of luck with that.
Conclusion: Technology in Space, What a Thrill!
RHEL 10.1 is zipping around in space aboard Voyager’s micro datacenter as if it were nothing – a truly impressive piece of technology illustrating how data in space represents the next significant advancement. Although the expenses are extraordinarily high, major tech companies are reaching for the stars in hopes of securing a cost-effective solution. Let’s see if they can venture into uncharted territories for datacenters without breaking the bank.
