T-Minus Space Daily: The New Era of Space Computing

Release Date: May 15, 2025
Host: Maria Varmazas
Guest: Paul Thomas, Accenture's Managing Director and Global Lead of Space Innovation Technology

Introduction

In this episode of T-Minus Space Daily, host Maria Varmazas delves into the transformative landscape of space computing. The discussion highlights recent advancements in space technology, the burgeoning space economy, and how global companies are integrating space innovations into their business strategies. The episode features an insightful interview with Paul Thomas from Accenture, who shares findings from Accenture's latest research on corporate adoption of space technologies.

Key News Highlights

Before diving into the main discussion, Maria provides a roundup of significant developments in the space sector:

1. China's Space Computing Constellation

   • Launch Details: A Long March 2D carrier rocket successfully deployed 12 satellites, marking the inaugural launch of the Three Body Computing Constellation.
   • Development: Jointly developed by Zhejiang Lab and international partners, the constellation aims to consist of thousands of satellites with a combined computing power of 1,000 peta operations per second.
   • Capabilities: Designed for real-time data processing in orbit, integrating artificial intelligence, and conducting experimental missions like cross-orbit laser communication and astronomical observations.

2. Venus Aerospace's Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE)

   • Achievement: Completed the first U.S. flight test of an RDRE, enabling vehicles to reach speeds four to six times the speed of sound.
   • Future Plans: Aiming for a Mach 4 reusable passenger aircraft through full-scale propulsion testing and vehicle integration.

3. ViaSat and Blue Origin Partnership

   • Objective: ViaSat selected Blue Origin to demonstrate its in-range launch telemetry relay service, supporting NASA's Communications Services Project.
   • Impact: Enhances NASA's transition from the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRS) to commercial Satcom solutions.

4. Yorkspace's Bard Mission

   • Mission Goal: To demonstrate the Polylingual Experimental Terminal for advanced communications, developed in collaboration with Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory and NASA.
   • Significance: Enables real-time interoperability between government and commercial satellite relay networks, crucial for emerging NASA missions.

5. Kepler Communications' Optical Data Relay Demonstration

   • Collaboration: Partnered with French company Kailabs to showcase space-to-ground optical data relay capabilities.
   • Outcome: Achieved Space Development Agency standard data rates, paving the way for future in-space optical technologies.

Interview with Paul Thomas: Corporate Adoption of Space Technology

Accenture's Research Overview

Paul Thomas introduces Accenture's recent survey conducted in the previous year, encompassing responses from approximately 1,300 executives across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. The research aimed to understand how major companies perceive and integrate space technology into their business strategies.

Key Findings:

• Vital Importance: "81% of leaders we interviewed said that space technology is vital to the growth of their companies" (10:46).
• Adoption Gap: Only 18% of companies are fully integrating space technology into their operations, while an additional 31% are piloting or experimenting with space-related projects, totaling 50% active engagement.
• Market Potential: There's a significant untapped market, with predictions of the space economy reaching $1.8 trillion within the next decade and satellite numbers soaring to 60,000 by 2030.

Understanding the Adoption Gap

Maria inquires about the disparity between high acknowledgment of space technology's importance and the relatively low integration rates.

Paul Thomas Highlights:

1. Cost Barriers:

   • "The cost is a question mark here. Implementing space technology can be expensive, especially when solutions are bespoke and offered by a limited number of providers" (14:30).

2. Lack of Comprehensive Business Cases:

   • Companies often experiment with technology without a broader strategic framework, leading to challenges in scaling and realizing full potential.
   • "Looking at Earth observation technology for just one application misses out on the full business case that could make it viable" (14:30).

3. Skills and Talent Shortage:

   • There's a notable gap in specialized skills required to leverage space technologies effectively.
   • "Having the right talent or upskilling existing teams is a significant challenge for many companies" (17:20).

Strategic Recommendations for Companies

Paul outlines three pivotal strategies for organizations to bridge the adoption gap:

1. Develop a Comprehensive Space Strategy:

   • Integrate space technology into the overall business and technology strategies, ensuring holistic and viable real-world applications.

2. Focus on Talent Development:

   • Identify and nurture internal talent or collaborate with partners to acquire the necessary expertise to support space technology initiatives.

3. Activate and Collaborate with the Space Ecosystem:

   • Engage with the vast and diverse space ecosystem, including established space companies, startups, data analytics firms, and space agencies, to build robust partnerships and access specialized solutions.

Paul Thomas Emphasizes:
"Building relationships within the space ecosystem can provide companies with the necessary resources and support to effectively implement space technologies" (18:12).

Future Outlook and Predictions

Maria asks Paul about anticipated shifts in the next year regarding space technology adoption.

Paul Thomas Predicts:

• Increased Defense Applications:

  • Geopolitical volatility is driving nations, especially in Europe, to invest more in space for defense capabilities, including space domain awareness and secure communications.

• Enhanced Environmental and Disaster Management:

  • Space technologies will play a critical role in managing fragile ecosystems, supporting sustainable agriculture, and improving responses to natural disasters.
  • "Earth observation capabilities combined with geo and weather information can significantly aid in disaster prevention and management" (20:12).

Notable Quotes

• Paul Thomas on Strategic Integration:
  "Space should be a component of each [company's] strategies that they're putting together to understand how it fits within their own business."
  (10:46)

• On Bridging the Adoption Gap:
  "There's a solution for you at the right price point as more capabilities arrive, offering greater choice and availability."
  (14:30)

• On Talent and Ecosystem Collaboration:
  "Building that ecosystem of partners, collaborating with the space technology ecosystem, is crucial for effective implementation."
  (17:20)

• Future Applications in Defense and Sustainability:
  "Space is going to play a much bigger role in defense... and in managing natural disasters and supporting sustainability efforts."
  (20:12)

Conclusion

The episode underscores the pivotal role of space computing in modern business strategies and highlights both the immense potential and existing challenges in corporate adoption. As the space economy continues to expand, companies must navigate cost barriers, develop strategic frameworks, and cultivate the necessary talent to harness space technologies effectively. Collaborative efforts within the space ecosystem will be essential in bridging these gaps and unlocking the full spectrum of benefits that space innovations offer.

For more insights and detailed discussions, visit N2K Networks.