Amazon Web Services (AWS) is transforming the space industry by introducing the power of the cloud to support space missions with advanced cloud technologies and space expertise.
AWS Ground Station empowers satellite operators to easily communicate with their satellites and ingest space data without having to worry about building and managing their own ground station infrastructure. Space industry leverages AWS compute, storage, processing, and artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) services to build innovative solutions that overcome traditional space infrastructure challenges, from high-latency networks to massive data processing needs.
AWS is expanding its AWS Ground Station as a Service (GSaaS) Partner Program, increasing the options for space customers to bring space data to the AWS Cloud and realize its benefits. Today, AWS is excited to announce an enhanced collaboration with Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT), a world-leading provider of communication services for spacecraft and launch vehicles, as part of the AWS Ground Station as a Service Partner Program. Satellite operators can now seamlessly access KSAT’s global satellite ground station network and operation services as well as the services and tools of AWS—the most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud.
The GSaaS Partner Program of AWS enables ground station providers to build comprehensive ground segment solutions and expand their capabilities using AWS services. By adding AWS Ground Station to their networks, service providers can offer additional antenna locations and the advanced data delivery capabilities of the AWS network to satellite operators, without having to make upfront infrastructure investments. A robust network of partners also results in greater service plan flexibility, more operational support, simplified onboarding, and solutions tailored for satellite operator’s mission-specific requirements.
Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) is a leading global provider of ground station services for satellite operators and mission planners. KSAT’s state-of-the-art network includes over 40 locations with over 200 multi-mission antennas strategically located worldwide, supporting a wide range of satellite communication, remote sensing, and data processing needs. With a focus on quality, reliability, and innovation, KSAT serves customers across the commercial, government, and defense sectors.
Working closely with AWS, KSAT will integrate cloud services into their global network and offer access to both AWS Ground Station’s and KSAT’s antennas to their customers. This collaboration enables KSAT to provide a more scalable, resilient, and globally connected ground network, serving a wider range of satellite missions. KSAT’s offerings complement the features of AWS Ground Station by providing satellite operators with access to its global antenna network, 24/7 support via the Tromsø Network Operations Center (TNOC), and flexible billing structures. Customers also benefit from capabilities like Satellite Operated as a Service during critical mission stages, including Launch and Early Operations (LEOP).
AWS continues to advance the capabilities of AWS Ground Station. The Cross Region Data Delivery feature supports the reliable transport of satellite data within seconds without additional charges. This enables an early start in the data processing and shortens the lead time for the delivery of geospatial products. As another example, the Digital Twin feature accelerates the integration of missions for customers while reducing their upfront costs on this concept.
AWS Ground Station provides secure, scalable, and cost-effective ground segment capabilities that align with federal government commercial space integration strategies. The service’s shared and dedicated antennas enable enhanced operational flexibility and geographic distribution, supporting resilient space architectures essential for national security, defense, and civil space operations. Today’s news focuses on AWS Ground Station’s commercial customers, with no changes to existing government, national security, and defense customer arrangements, nor to those of the industrial base supporting these segments.
News article authored by Sanjay Bhal. He is a director at Amazon Web Services (AWS), leading the development of space-based, terrestrial, and disconnected edge and networking services to accelerate data-driven decision making for customers.