Leonardo Kick off for the Project of the First Space Cloud System for Defence

Defense News ,Italy :- Leonardo, a leading aerospace and defense company, is spearheading a groundbreaking project known as the "Military Space Cloud Architecture" (MILSCA), commissioned by the Italian Ministry of Defence. This initiative, part of the National Military Research Plan (PNRM), aims to deploy a constellation of cyber-secure satellites orbiting the Earth. The project integrates supercomputers, artificial intelligence, and cloud technology to create a space architecture that provides high-performance computing and storage capacity directly in space.

In a first-of-its-kind endeavor in Europe, the Military Space Cloud project seeks to emulate the functionality of terrestrial clouds in space. The primary objective is to enhance the capabilities of government and national Armed Forces by establishing a system designed with integrated cybersecurity models. This system ensures faster and more flexible processing and sharing of information in a secure environment.

The Space Cloud, which is currently in the testing phase through the creation of a digital twin of the architecture, boasts the ability to store over 100 Terabytes of data generated on Earth and in space on each constellation satellite. With processing power exceeding 250 TFLOPS (250 thousand billion operations per second) at single precision, the system utilizes advanced algorithms incorporating artificial intelligence, machine learning techniques, and extensive data analysis. Moreover, these satellites can communicate and exchange data autonomously with each other.

The deployment of a cyber-secure supercomputer and archive system in space holds the promise of providing users with access to strategic data, including communication, earth observation, and navigation data, regardless of location or time. The Space Cloud system significantly reduces data processing times by performing computations directly in orbit, delivering real-time information. This capability facilitates multi-domain and multi-nation operations, leaving transmission networks free for other connections, thanks to the selective transfer of relevant information to Earth.

Beyond enhancing operational efficiency, storing data in orbit serves as a valuable backup for Earth centers, particularly in areas prone to natural disasters. The project represents a collaboration between Leonardo and joint ventures Telespazio and Thales Alenia Space. The study, spanning 24 months, includes two phases: defining the architecture and developing a digital twin of the satellite with the High-Performance Computing (HPC) and the multi-constellation satellite terminal demonstrator.

The digital twin will be subjected to various application scenarios in a digital environment, utilizing Leonardo's supercomputer, davinci-1, renowned for its computing power and performance. This study sets the stage for a subsequent experimental phase, potentially leading to the deployment of a demonstrative constellation of satellites in orbit.

The Space Cloud project is a technologically advanced and multi-domain initiative, leveraging Leonardo's expertise in data acquisition, management, cyber protection, artificial intelligence, and supercomputing with HPC davinci-1. It aligns with the growth guidelines of Leonardo's new Industrial Plan, marking a significant step in the realm of space technology.

Simone Ungaro, Leonardo’s Chief Innovation Officer, emphasized the project's strategic importance in a multi-domain scenario, highlighting the management, security, and rapid exchange of tactical data as crucial elements for the country's defense. Ungaro expressed confidence that Leonardo's know-how would pave the way for the development of a Space Cloud network, contributing to digitalization and technological innovation to meet the evolving needs of government and national Armed Forces.

The Space Cloud for Defence project also lays the groundwork for future applications, extending support to civil Earth observation programs and space exploration missions to the Moon and Mars. The in-orbit cloud computing architecture promises quicker download and processing of data, showcasing the potential for broader applications beyond defense-related activities. As the project progresses, it holds the key to unlocking new possibilities in space technology and shaping the future of military and civilian operations alike.