Lockheed Martin Launches First Smart Satellite Enabling Space Mesh Networking

January 16, 2020 – A brand new period of space-based computing is now being examined in-orbit that can allow synthetic intelligence, information analytics, cloud networking and superior satellite tv for pc communications in a strong new software-defined structure. Just lately, Lockheed Martin launched the Pony Specific 1 mission as a hosted payload on Tyvak-0129, a next-generation Tyvak 6U spacecraft.

“Early on-orbit information present Pony Specific 1 is performing its
vital pathfinding mission very effectively. Lockheed Martin’s HiveStar™
know-how on board will give our prospects unparalleled pace,
resiliency and adaptability for his or her altering mission wants by unlocking
even better processing energy in house,” stated Rick Ambrose,
government vp of Lockheed Martin Area. “That is the primary
of a number of fast, self-funded experiments demonstrating our capacity to
systematically speed up our prospects’ pace to mission whereas decreasing
danger from new applied sciences.”

Pony Specific 1, an instance of fast prototyping, was
developed, constructed and built-in in 9 months, and was funded
fully by Lockheed Martin Analysis and Growth funding. This
orbital proving floor is validating payload hardware and software program, and
is filled with new know-how that matches right into a satellite tv for pc the dimensions of a
shoebox. A number of the key applied sciences being flight-tested embrace:

• HiveStar™ software program validates superior adaptive mesh communications between satellites, shared processing capabilities and might take benefit of sensors aboard different sensible satellites to customise missions in new methods beforehand tough to realize in house.
• A software-defined radio that enables for high-bandwidth internet hosting of a number of RF functions, store-and-forward RF assortment, information compression, digital sign processing and waveform transmission.
• 3D-printed wideband antenna housing developed by Lockheed Martin’s Superior Expertise Heart.

Pony Specific 1 is a dual-use payload that permits mesh networks in house by way of HiveStar™ and a second operate that exams house to floor distant sensing. Future analysis missions this 12 months, like Pony Specific 2, will additional advance cloud networking ideas amongst satellites, in addition to validating Lockheed Martin’s SmartSat™ software-defined satellite tv for pc structure which permits streamlined internet hosting of versatile mission apps. This mission consists of two 12U cubesats with quicker, extra succesful ultra-scale processors that unlock in-orbit information analytics and synthetic intelligence. Geared up with miniaturized cross-link and precision timing, Pony Specific 2 is a trailblazer for autonomous teaming in house and true cloud networking.