Voyager launches Space Edge to ISS, enabling multi-cloud region in orbit

Summary Points:

• First orbital multi-cloud region: Voyager’s Space Edge platform launched to the ISS on 14 September.
• Developed by LEOcloud: Provides managed, space-hardened cloud infrastructure for in-orbit computing.
• Faster processing: Cuts latency up to 30 times compared to sending data to terrestrial centers.

DENVER - Voyager Technologies Inc. in Denver launched Space Edge to the International Space Station (ISS) on 14 September, marking what it claims is the first known multi-cloud region in space for real-time, orbital data processing.

Space Edge, developed by LEOcloud, a recent Voyager acquisition, is a space-hardened managed cloud infrastructure that enables computing directly in orbit. The system is designed to reduce latency, strengthen security, and cut transport costs for missions requiring rapid analysis and secure data handling.

"As the space economy grows, space-based infrastructure becomes as essential as it is on Earth," said Dennis R. Gatens, president of LEOcloud at Voyager. "For missions across defense, national security and in-space research that require actionable data at the speed of relevance, Space Edge brings data processing closer to the source."

In orbit advantage

Processing data in orbit avoids the latency of sending information back to Earth, which can be up to 30 times slower than on-board analytics. The system supports real-time data fusion and AI-enabled analytics for defense, civil space, and commercial users.

Related: NASA updates strategy for commercial space stations as ISS retirement nears

Space Edge also incorporates flexibility for evolving encryption technologies and customer-specific security needs. The system employs Podman, an open-source container management tool developed by Red Hat engineers, to handle application deployment in orbit.

"Space-based cloud infrastructure is the next frontier, and more secure, flexible infrastructure is paramount to enabling AI workloads at the orbital edge," said Travis Steele, chief architect for air and space forces at Red Hat. "Deploying Podman on Space Edge delivers containerized, low-latency processing in orbit, helping ensure that teams have the capabilities necessary to analyze data and make real-time decisions with greater speed and reliability."

Voyager plans to expand its portfolio of space-based cloud regions to deliver mission-critical security, automation, and application management for AI-enabled exploration, research, and defense operations.