If you’re unfamiliar with HPE’s Spaceborne Computer-2, it is a collaboration between HP and NASA. It is a commercial supercomputer that functions in space. Specifically, it is an edge computing device that brings computation during space flights through data-intensive applications. NASA will launch the Spaceborne Computer-2 into space on February 20 as part of the 15th Northrop Grumman Resupply Mission to Space Station (NG-15). One of the benefits for customers is the ability to gain new data insights and research developments. For example, the information could advance fields such as weather modelling, medial imaging, plant analytics, and more.
Expanding Azure Space
With Microsoft on board, the Spaceborne Computer-2 will sync into the Azure Space initiative. Announced in October 2020, Azure Space is a bundle of cloud products combining with partnerships to make Microsoft Cloud a major player in the growing space tech area. “HPE and Microsoft are collaborating to further accelerate space exploration by delivering state-of-the art technologies to tackle a range of data processing needs while in orbit. By bringing together HPE’s Spaceborne Computer-2, which is based on the HPE Edgeline Converged Edge system for advanced edge computing and AI capabilities, with Microsoft Azure to connect to the cloud, we are enabling space explorers to seamlessly transmit large data sets to and from Earth and benefit from an edge-to-cloud experience. “We look forward to collaborating with Microsoft on their Azure Space efforts, which share our vision to accelerate discovery and help make breakthroughs to support life and sustainability in future, extended human missions to space.” —Dr. Mark Fernandez, Solutions Architect of Converged Edge Systems at HPE and Principal Investigator for Spaceborne Computer-2 Tip of the day: When using your Windows 10 laptop or convertible with a mobile hotspot you might want to limit the Internet bandwidth your PC uses. In our tutorial we are showing you how to set up a metered connection in Windows 10 and how to turn it off again, if needed.
