IBM’s technology will be integrated to organise the workload and tasks of Sierra Space astronauts through the company’s data analysis and collection technology
IBM signs MoU with Sierra Space to build next generation of space technology and software platforms. (Credit: IBM)
IBM and commercial space company Sierra Space have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that establishes a partnership for developing the next generation of space technology and software platforms.
In line with the MoU, IBM’s technology will be integrated to organise the workload and tasks of Sierra Space’s astronauts through the company’s data analysis and collection technology.
As part of the collaboration, IBM will work with Sierra Space to develop a seamless technology platform in space to service the cloud in space effectively and drive mission operations.
The partnership will also help the space company to develop new applications for research, commerce, tourism, and others, stated IBM.
Sierra Space CEO Tom Vice said: “Through this planned agreement with IBM, we will leverage the full depth of its industry expertise and innovative technology portfolio to evaluate and support unique in-space challenges we will face as we build the future of commercial space.
“Effective Hybrid Space Platforms will allow us to derive previously untapped value from the growing quantities of data generated in space. Together, we will leverage secured AI to drive new capability for Sierra Space, IBM, the broader orbital ecosystem, and the new space economy.”
By leveraging IBM’s technology platform, Sierra Space is expected to go ahead with automating business operations to drive better performance. This will help the latter provide actionable insights, automate application and data flows to enhance client experiences, automate networks for delivering zero-touch operations, and create deeper insights into threats, orchestration actions, and in automating responses.
The collaboration will develop a single, unified, and flexible distributed computing environment for users to easily develop and modernise applications.
The environment will help users to prepare data to be artificial intelligence (AI)-ready and integrate and orchestrate workloads for secured, flexible, and open operations.
IBM space CTO Naeem Altaf said: “There is unlimited potential for humanity’s future in space. We see Sierra Space as a core leader and collaborator in advancing that vision. In this envisioned – but secured – environment, collaborators and partners will be able to innovate, co-create, and co-operate together at scale in a way that drives mutual benefit for the space industry as a whole.
“As we progress, IBM looks forward to working with Sierra Space across a range of initiatives to accelerate new and innovative possibilities for low-Earth orbit (LEO) and the new space economy.”