New Technology in Space Enables Real-Time Analysis of Big Data
Here at SatCom Frontier we have recently discussed the scope of the technological transformation occurring around the world today. One of the more important aspects of that transformation for national defense is the broadening adoption of Big Data analytics. Modern military platforms produce gigantic amounts of data on a continuous basis that must be collected, processed, analyzed, disseminated and ultimately presented in a timely, actionable way to inform effective decision-making.
Big Data analysis has transformed some aspects of military decision-making. But one area that had lagged behind was satellite-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR). Traditional satellite bandwidth with relatively low throughput simply could not support the real-time transmission of all the intensive data being collected by aero platforms in theater.
Operators adapted to this constraint and many times the data had to be downloaded to a media device, which was collected after the vehicle landed and then taken to another location for analysis. This delay sometimes resulted in valuable information being overlooked until days, weeks, or months later. By then, the information was no longer “actionable” and resulted in great frustration by all those involved in the process. Operators, analysts and decision makers struggled to shorten this cycle but the throughput constraints seemed unsolvable.
Until now.
High-throughput satellite (HTS) systems dramatically accelerate this cycle enabling transmission of data in real time so that analysts can quickly identify “actionable” information and improve both the quality and speed of decision making.
HTS satellites like Intelsat EpicNG can provide far more throughput, up to 300 percent more throughput, than existing wideband satellites. Performance is improved not only in bits per second per Hertz, but also in the aggregate MHz available and the geographic area covered. This increased capability enables analysis of satellite ISR to begin immediately, thereby increasing the speed of informed decision-making in the field.
This increased throughput also enables faster document and media exploitation (DOMEX) from captured documents and media in the field.
Taken together, this increased velocity of data for improved analytics of Big Data can result in superior information and decision making at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels.
Looking ahead, the military will need all this throughput and more. With the increasing capabilities of mobile biometrics (such as wearable technology that is getting smaller while providing more functions – monitoring heart rate, GPS location, full motion sensors, and more), and body cameras (such as GoPro), the goal of making “every soldier a sensor” is rapidly becoming a reality. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and satellite technology will enable this transmission in real time for better command and control, force protection, and decision making.
Simultaneously, the Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine to Machine (M2M) applications will improve logistics and supply train tracking. IoT will take radio-frequency identification to the next level, improving not only tracking of materials but also improved maintenance that will increase efficiency and reduce cost. Perhaps the most important value is that every truck and convoy can also provide an additional source of information passively – without any additional burden on these operators as they focus on their mission.
This ubiquitous connectivity will require not just one solution but an eco-system of satellites. Broadband from geostationary orbit satellites as well as from low-earth orbit satellites, such as OneWeb. And the massive amounts of throughput that only HTS will be able to provide, such as the Intelsat EpicNG satellite platform, will be key in this eco-system.
Like the real-time visibility that President Obama and team had during the Osama Bin Laden raid in 2011, every decision maker from the tactical to the strategic level will demand an operational picture in real time. Satellites and Big Data will play a critical role in meeting this requirement.
Dramatic increases in space-based performance and flexibility will naturally give rise to new services and usage models that we cannot envision today. To support such new uses, Intelsat’s EpicNG HTS platform will one day allow for software-defined payloads that enable over-the-air firmware and software updates, ensuring that the technology and performance levels available to government are always on the cutting edge of technology.
After decades of relative tranquility, space is going through a period of profound change. Commercial innovation is introducing next-generation technology in space, while other countries around the world look to enhance their space capabilities. Governments should look for ways to take advantage of commercial capabilities faster, testing and evolving new technologies and moving more swiftly from prototypes to operational systems.
HTS will soon close the current aero gap for real-time Big Data analysis. But in an increasingly net-centric world, more demand is coming. When every soldier produces megabits of data on a constant basic, the military will need a satellite eco-system, including HTS capacity, to maintain superior situational awareness in theater. Planning for that future collaboratively is the best way to ensure that the commercial industry will develop and supply the right technical solutions in space.
4 thoughts on “New Technology in Space Enables Real-Time Analysis of Big Data”
Leave a Comment
Explore More
Launch-Related Content
This blog post is a welcome departure! The author’s unique
point of view and imaginative approach make it distinguish itself from
the rest. I found myself immersed in the compelling storytelling and
the smooth flow of ideas. The author’s passion for
the subject shines through every word, making the reading experience truly pleasurable.
I commend the effort put into creating such an distinctive article.
Well done!
This blog post is a refreshing change! The author’s distinctive perspective and imaginative approach make it stand out from the rest.
I found myself immersed in the captivating storytelling and the seamless flow of ideas.
The author’s enthusiasm for the topic shines through every word, making the journey
truly enjoyable. I commend the effort put into crafting such an unique article.
Well done!
Great job on this post! The content is extremely educational and well-researched,
providing valuable knowledge into the subject at hand. The writing style is engaging and progresses
smoothly, making it an delightful article. I
admire the effort put into conveying complex ideas in a clear and concise.
This article has undoubtedly expanded my awareness on the subject.
Kudos to the writer for delivering such a top-notch piece!|I’m thoroughly impressed with the high quality of
this write-up. The writer has skillfully presented a impartial view on the subject, providing both sides of the argument in a equitable and impartial manner.
The investigation and supporting evidence cited throughout the article
add validity to the points made. I appreciate the clarity of
the writing, which made it effortless to follow along
and grasp complicated concepts. This post is a valuable tool for anyone seeking a
comprehensive understanding of the topic.|This blog post
is a welcome departure! The author’s unique point of view and creative approach make
it distinguish itself from the rest. I found myself immersed in the fascinating storytelling and the effortless flow
of ideas. The author’s enthusiasm for the subject shines through
every word, making the journey truly pleasurable.
I commend the effort put into fashioning such an unique work.
Well done!|This is an exceptional article of content!
The author’s in-depth knowledge of the subject matter is evident throughout the write-up.
The precise and succinct explanations, coupled with corroborating
illustrations, make challenging notions simple to understand.
I admire the extensive research that went into this piece, as it provides a firm basis for the points
presented. The author’s way of writing is engaging and keeps the audience engaged until the very end.
I was amazed by the smooth transition between thoughts and the coherent structure of
the article. The author’s capability to present nuanced perspectives and provide mind-boggling ideas is praiseworthy.
It’s apparent that a lot of work and knowledge went into creating
this exceptional piece. I strongly recommend it to anyone looking for a well-crafted
and illuminating read.|I must say, this article surpassed my anticipations!
The depth of examination and the distinctive point of view provided really distinguishes it apart.
The writer’s mastery of the subject is evident, making challenging concepts readily
understandable. The writing style is captivating and grabs the reader’s interest from the very
beginning. I found myself engrossed in the content, readily absorbing every word.
This is a commendable piece of work that deserves recognition. Well done!
Great job on this post! The content is exceptionally educational and thoroughly
researched, providing precious knowledge into the subject at hand.
The style of writing is engaging and moves seamlessly, making it an delightful article.
I admire the effort put into conveying complex
ideas in a straightforward and manner. This post has
certainly expanded my awareness on the subject. Well
done to the author for delivering such a top-notch piece!|I’m thoroughly amazed
with the excellence of this write-up. The writer has expertly presented a fair view on the topic, providing both sides of the argument in a fair and unbiased
manner. The investigation and supporting evidence cited throughout the article add credibility to the claims made.
I appreciate the clarity of the writing, which made it
easy to follow along and understand complicated ideas.
This article is a valuable resource for anyone seeking a thorough understanding of the topic.|This blog post is a
welcome departure! The author’s distinctive perspective and imaginative approach make it
distinguish itself from the rest. I found myself captivated
in the captivating storytelling and the effortless flow
of ideas. The author’s passion for the topic shines through every word,
making the reading experience truly enjoyable. I commend the effort put into creating such an distinctive
piece. Well done!|This is an remarkable write-up of content!
The author’s comprehensive knowledge of the subject matter is clear
throughout the article. The clear-cut and brief
explanations, coupled with substantiating examples, make complex notions
effortless to understand. I value the extensive research study
that went into this article, as it provides a solid basis
for the arguments presented. The author’s way of writing is engaging and keeps the reader engaged
until the very end. I was astounded by the seamless transition between thoughts
and the logical structure of the write-up. The author’s capability to present nuanced perspectives and provide thought-provoking ideas is commendable.
It’s apparent that a lot of energy and proficiency went into creating
this remarkable write-up. I warmly suggest it to
anyone looking for a skillfully written and informative
article.|I must say, this article surpassed my expectations!
The thoroughness of examination and the unique perspective presented really distinguishes it apart.
The author’s command of the subject shines through, making challenging concepts easily understandable.
The writing style is captivating and grabs the reader’s attention from the very
beginning. I found myself immersed in the content, eagerly absorbing every word.
This is a commendable piece of work that deserves recognition. Well done!