Microsoft Azure Space provides cloud connectivity services by satellite in remote areas
CTOnews.com, September 19 (Xinhua)-- Microsoft has updated the Azure Space platform, which provides cloud hosting services in remote areas. The program now provides a preview of Azure Orbital Cloud Access and confirms the universal availability of Azure Orbital Ground Station.
CTOnews.com learned that through Azure Orbital Cloud Access, Microsoft ensures access to the Microsoft cloud through satellite Internet service providers. The platform will essentially connect data terminals relayed from the Azure cloud to Earth. In addition, Microsoft confirmed the full availability of Azure Orbital Ground Station, a fully hosted ground site service.
Microsoft officially announced these new products during World Satellite Business week.
"first, we are committed to democratizing the possibility of space by unlocking connections and data to Microsoft Cloud. Second, we can help our customers and partners transform digitally in the aerospace industry by using the flexible and scalable computing power of Azure."
Microsoft's Azure Orbital Cloud Access service is now a private preview. This means that consumer-facing companies and end users cannot use it yet. Microsoft is providing the platform to U. S. government agencies. The company wants to be able to access cloud services in areas where connectivity options are scarce or failover capabilities are critical.
Azure Orbital Cloud Access essentially carries a SpaceX satellite connection and works with Azure edge devices. The company can "prioritize and provide traffic across optical, cellular and satellite networks, while locally integrating with Juniper's SD-WAN technology".
Azure Orbital ground station essentially provides a ground station-as-a-service option for satellite operators. Although the service is now widely available, satellite operators such as Pixxel, Muon Space and Loft Orbital should benefit from it in the near future.
