Micro satellite space service provider Vector Space Systems has launched its new Galactic Sky software-defined satellites business unit.
Based in California, US, Galactic Sky will act as a new business platform to provide access to satellite capabilities, satellite derived big data and constellation infrastructures to space start-ups, innovators and entrepreneurs.
Galactic Sky will enable the start-ups to explore and experiment with satellites without the costs of launching a rocket and building a satellite.
By using a software-defined satellite platform, start-ups will have access to virtualised satellites already in orbit and can leverage micro satellites to develop and test various commercial, government and industrial applications.
Vector Space Systems co-founder and CEO Jim Cantrell said: "We started Vector with the goal of creating a development platform that would foster and bolster the micro space innovations currently underway and bring the promise of space based technologies to a much larger pool of entrepreneurs who don't need to be space experts.
"Our new software-defined satellite division furthers this mission of removing the barrier of entry for space with a unique focus on a new generation of software start-ups, innovators and space entrepreneurs in mind."
Galactic Sky will offer tailored imagery, onboard analytics, ultra-secure data storage and transfer, and high-speed communications to customers.
The new division will serve as a satellite virtualisation platform that will offer satellite design tools, space application lifecycle and container management.
It will also provide cloud based space simulation services such as a full suite of SDKs and APIs for quick development, as well as a satellite optimised distribution of Linux named GalacticOS.
Through Galactic Sky and other launch system service, Vector Space Systems intends to provide a complete vertically integrated solution for innovators and entrepreneurs to bring their ideas, payloads and applications to a space ready platform.
