With the digitalization of the world, data collection and storage services offered by companies such as information technology (IT) and telecommunication are increasing at an unprecedented rate. As most sensitive information is being stored in the cloud provided by these data companies, a growing concern has risen around end-user data and privacy.
For user satisfaction, companies are turning to satellite-based cloud computing, which would provide data security services such as end-to-end encryption. Satellite-based cloud computing service infrastructure is an independent space-based network that allows for secure storage and provisioning of sensitive data across the globe.
Satellite cloud computing is an ideal solution for industries such as banking, financial services, and healthcare requiring high data security and privacy levels.
This article outlines how space cloud computing works and explores the potential of this technology to provide total data security to end users with the integration of satellite and the cloud.
Satellite cloud computing systems use digital satellite links to access cloud computing services. These space cloud systems host software and applications remotely and reduce business costs by eliminating the need for capital investments in servers and storage, resulting in zero operational expenses for running data centers. Moreover, various layers of security are adopted to achieve data protection through satellite cloud computing systems.
Different security services, such as communication security, data encryption, monitoring and auditing, access control, cloud integration, authorization management, and business continuity services, provide a comprehensive defense against potential threats.
The space cloud system encrypts the data before it is transmitted through satellites to the cloud servers, restricting unauthorized parties from accessing or understanding the data. This space cloud system requires users to authenticate themselves before accessing the data, ensuring that only authorized users can access it. This can be done by providing a password or two-factor authentication.
The satellite cloud computing system regularly backs up the data in multiple locations to protect against data loss or corruption in case of a failure or attack, as well as employs a firewall to protect the cloud servers from unauthorized access and potential attacks.
Adaptive Coding and Modulation (ACM) can also improve the performance and reliability of satellite cloud computing systems by adapting to the changing conditions of the channel.
ACM can also help reduce the amount of power required for transmission, which can prolong the satellite's life and reduce costs.
Microsoft's Azure Orbital Cloud Access is a new service offered by Microsoft that allows customers to communicate with and analyze data from their satellites or spacecraft on a subscription basis.
It was announced by CEO Satya Nadella on September 22nd, 2020, at Microsoft Ignite 2020 in New Orleans and is considered as 'Ground Station as a Service (GSaaS).
Azure Orbital joined forces with Space X's Starlink in 2022, offering low-latency(1-hop) access to the cloud from anywhere on the planet by integrating satellite-based communications and cloud operations.
Azure Orbital Cloud Access delivers prioritized network traffic through SpaceX's Starlink connectivity and Azure edge devices, providing customers access to services in areas with low or no connectivity.
With Azure Orbital Cloud Access, businesses, and public sector organizations can access the cloud from anywhere, making bringing satellite-based communications into their enterprise cloud operations easier. Azure Orbital relies on resilient and secured ground stations to transport data to and from the satellites.
Microsoft claims to provide total data security to its users, as it invests more than $1 billion a year on cybersecurity services, research, and development.
Azure Orbital uses multiple layers of security and specialized threat intelligence to identify and safeguard against evolving security risks quickly. This is a huge step forward in the future of integrated 5G and satellite communications, providing data access and security to government and private enterprises, also active in remote locations.
According to data insights from BIS Research, the global satellite-based cloud computing market was valued at $0.36 billion in 2022, which is projected to reach $0.47 billion in 2032, growing at a CAGR of 2.53% during the forecast period 2022–2023.
Satellite-based cloud computing has the potential to provide total data security for end-users due to its ability to secure storage across the globe using independent space-based networks. Moreover, cloud service providers are collaborating with satellite communications companies to offer complete data security to end-users.
With satellite-based cloud computing, the data can be given immunity against cyber threats by multilayered security measures.
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