BOULDER, Colo., May 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Ball Aerospace,
in collaboration with Microsoft, successfully completed a
series of demonstrations showing the viability of using commercial
cloud computing to process and securely deliver actionable
information quickly to those who need it, whether they are in a
ground station, command center or on the battlefield.
Enabled by the Defense Innovation Unit's (DIU) fast-paced
commercial solutions process, the demonstrations support the United
States Space Force Space and Missile Systems Center's (SMC)
Commercially Augmented Space Inter-Networked Operations (CASINO)
Program Office, which serves as the SMC focal point for
proliferated Low Earth Orbit (LEO) technology and prototyping.
"Our tests showed that the cloud is, in fact, a viable solution
for data processing, exploitation and dissemination of data that is
not only fast, but also flexible, secure, scalable and resilient,"
said Steve Smith, vice president and
general manager, Systems Engineering Solutions, Ball Aerospace.
"For years, the military has envisioned an agile and connected
force structure. During the demonstration, the CASINO team proved
that we are ready to field low-latency links today, which moves
this vision much closer to reality."
For the demonstrations, simulated data from Overhead Persistent
Infrared (OPIR) was pushed to Microsoft's AZURE cloud where it was
processed using Ball-developed event-driven architecture, and then
disseminated to multiple end points. In the final demonstration,
Telesat joined the Ball-Microsoft team to successfully complete a
direct downlink of data from its network of LEO satellites to a
Ball-built electronically steerable Ka-Band phased array affixed to
a tactical vehicle in order to prove that actionable information
could be delivered to the warfighter in the field.
"Direct satellite-to-cloud communication and accelerated ground
data processing allows the Department of Defense to gain advanced
analytics capabilities enabling predictive modelling and new
actionable insights capable of reshaping the future as they advance
their mission," said Tom Keane,
corporate vice president, Azure Global, Microsoft. "By combining
satellite data with other sources directly in Azure, the
Microsoft-Ball Aerospace team has demonstrated an innovative
approach for ground processing which also opens the possibilities
for a huge range of commercial applications."
Ball Aerospace has more than 30 years of data processing
experience, including developing unique and accurate exploitation
algorithms for satellite systems. Ball also has five decades of
experience delivering electronically-steered phased array, antenna
solutions for commercial, military and government customers and two
decades experience delivering flat panel antennas and
terminals.
Powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission
focus, Ball Aerospace pioneers discoveries that enable our
customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters
most. We create innovative space solutions, enable more accurate
weather forecasts, drive insightful observations of our planet,
deliver actionable data and intelligence, and ensure those who
defend our freedom go forward bravely and return home safely. Go
Beyond with Ball.® For more information, visit
www.ball.com/aerospace or connect with us on Facebook or
Twitter.
About Ball Corporation
Ball Corporation (NYSE: BLL)
supplies innovative, sustainable aluminum packaging solutions for
beverage, personal care and household products customers, as well
as aerospace and other technologies and services primarily for the
U.S. government. Ball Corporation and its subsidiaries employ
21,500 people worldwide and reported 2020 net sales of $11.8 billion. For more information, visit
www.ball.com, or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter.
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SOURCE Ball Aerospace