SBIR/STTR Research Award
Large Scale Data Centers in Space
Award amount
$74,656Program and phase
SBIR · Phase IAward year
2025Award details
- Awarding agency
- Department of Defense
- Branch
- Air Force
- Recipient company
- SOPHIA SPACE, INC.
- Proposal award date
- 2025-01-16
- Contract end date
- 2025-04-17
- UEI
- TVAFB9YTNNR6
- Solicitation number
- X24.7
- Topic code
- AFX247-PCSO1
Research abstract
This project aims to develop Sophia Space's Modular Solar-Powered Data Centers, a cutting-edge innovation designed to address the Department of Defense’s (DoD) need for secure, low-latency, space-based data processing. The proposed system leverages advanced solar-powered modules and scalable, fault-tolerant, edge-computing architecture to provide real-time data processing in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). This will significantly reduce reliance on vulnerable terrestrial infrastructure and improve overall operational resilience in contested environments.Objectives and Approach:The primary objectives are to design and test a modular data center capable of real-time data processing in orbit, including the development of a high-throughput optical communications system. Milestones include system architecture development, simulations for performance validation, and early-stage feasibility tests to meet the needs of Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations.DoD Benefits:This project supports the DoD by enhancing real-time decision-making in SDA, missile warning, and satellite communications. It will improve operational agility, reduce latency, and ensure cybersecurity in critical defense missions, aligning with the DoD’s strategic objectives for resilient space operations.Expertise and Team Strength:Led by Dr. Leon Alkalai, a seasoned space systems expert, the team includes experienced professionals in space systems engineering, data processing, and systems integration.Commercialization Potential:The technology offers significant commercial applications in telecommunications and cloud computing, enabling secure, space-based data processing with broad scalability for both defense and private sectors.
Technology keywords
Not reported
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