Digitalization in Space Industry

The Space Industry is growing and getting advanced day by day as it uses advanced technologies to be successful in its missions or operations. Almost 60 to 70 percent of the space industry has started moving towards full digitalization. There is a company named, RUAG Space, has expanded its business to the United States as the US is known as Hub of Innovation and Technology. RUAG Space has shifted its business to the US because they need complete robust engineering and technology.

The power of Digital Electronics is incredible as satellites onboard computer processes up to 4000 million of instructions per second.

The onboard computer is one of the fine digital products that has been made till now and it has been only installed in RUAG Space. This Onboard computer controls all central functions of a satellite or rocket and it also helps to provide significant data for mission control.

The Senior Vice President Electronics at RUAG Space has stated that “Our aim is not just to drive a digital mindset, our products are – in essence – purely digital. And this is the experience that we are sharing with our customers, a combined total of 2,900 failure-free years of our equipment in orbit”

The Digital Paradox

Focusing more on access to the internet, mobile connectivity, and autonomous cars is like a paradox. The infrastructure of satellites enables digitalization on Earth, the space industry has started adopting advanced technologies at an early stage.

Linder said, “The space industry can take more time to fully embrace new engineering or production patterns, but there is too much for the industry to gain. Having rich and advanced technology in digital products and we want to further upgrade the technology that helps to build high-performance spacecraft infrastructure that in turn connects the world”.

Apart from the Onboard computers, RUAG Space also manufactures different mission equipment such as Antennas for NASA’s James Webb Telescope or microwave products for new space companies like Astranis. RUAG’s navigation systems are now flying on environmental satellite ICESat- 2 to localize the satellite at all times.

Leveraging digital processes

Digitalization is not only about getting advanced with technology or digital products. Nowadays, On-board computers are much smaller in size than the older version. With the use of 3D printing as a digital method, the parts for mechanical and electronic products are now being manufactured with an increasing amount of flexibility.

Ready to manufacture in mass

Advancement in technology helps us to deliver a large number of electronic products at a very low cost and duration.

Linder said that “We are now one of the few companies in the market, that can manufacture in mass — which is a critical capability when it comes to supplying constellations and new space projects,”

“We are leveraging our development findings from one area to the other – but most importantly, we are ready to create new technology that will enable our customers to be at the forefront of the industry”

Powerful hardware for AI

Nowadays this is a hot topic that is going on in the news i.e. how AI can be a powerful tool for the space industry.

Connecting mechanical and electronics competence

RUAG Space connects its mechanical and electronics experience and has made its name in the space market key suppliers. They supply mechanical dispensers, satellite panels, and thermal components for the OneWeb mega constellation project. RUAG Space is also a key supplier for NASA as they make a special component for the NASA space launch system. RUAG Space will be exhibiting its capabilities at the 35^th National Space Symposium, at booth #729.

Also, Read – 4.2 magnitude earthquake jolts Sikkim