Sydney NSW - 17th March, 2021 - Spiral Blue has announced that it has been awarded the Moon to Mars Supply Chain Capability Improvement grant to develop enabling software infrastructure for Space Edge Computing. This software, Space Edge Services, will allow third party developers to run and update their own software aboard Space Edge Computers after launch. This will enable fast and affordable access to Earth observation data and services.
The Australian Space Agency’s Moon to Mars Supply Chain Capability Improvement grant supports the Australian space industry to build capacity to deliver products and services into domestic and/or international space industry supply chains that could support Moon to Mars activities.
Spiral Blue has been awarded a $416,250 grant to build enabling software infrastructure for its Space Edge Computers. This Space Edge Services software will be tested during their upcoming Space Edge Zero and Space Edge One missions. These missions are currently scheduled to reach orbit in June 2021 and December 2021 respectively.
Earth observation images are used today in many industries, including defence, agriculture, and financial services, but require the raw satellite data to be processed here on Earth. Space Edge Computers allow much of this processing to happen in space. Spiral Blue intends to make Space Edge Computers open access through its Space Edge Services platform, allowing any developer to rapidly and affordably access and process Earth observation data. This will improve lead times, affordability, flexibility, and ease of development for organisations developing Earth observation services.
“This is a significant boost for Spiral Blue and the broader Australian space industry,” Spiral Blue’s CEO, Taofiq Huq, said. “This grant will not only allow us to grow our team and capabilities, but also the capabilities of other companies in the Australian and international space supply chains. We’re excited to work with our supply chain partners to build the next generation of Earth observation services.”
Spiral Blue intends to launch Space Edge Computers as payloads on multiple satellites in 2021 and beyond. An invite only beta for Space Edge Services will launch later this year, with an open beta set to launch in 2022. This grant program will accelerate Spiral Blue’s commercialisation pathway, enabling future contracts and investment. Through this, Spiral Blue ultimately plans to launch its own Space Edge Computer equipped Earth observation satellites. Spiral Blue also intends to use Space Edge Computing to optimise data links and enable spacecraft autonomy for uncrewed interplanetary exploration missions.
About Spiral Blue
Spiral Blue is a Sydney SME focused on building the next generation of Earth observation services with artificial intelligence and Space Edge Computing. Spiral Blue technology has applications in defence, city planning, utilities, and other industries. Founded in 2018, the company is on track for its first Space Edge Zero prototype to be launched to orbit in June 2021.