Satlyt's Software Set to Launch Aboard SpaceX Rocket
Satlyt, co-founded by former Google and SpaceX engineer Rama Afullo, is launching its software for satellite computing aboard a SpaceX rocket, targeting an innovative niche in space technology.
Rama Afullo, a Kenyan American engineer, has long envisioned the potential of orbital data centers. After his tenure with Google and a short stint at SpaceX, he recognized the immense opportunities for computing power in space.
From Dreams to Reality
Afullo's journey began with attempts to pitch the idea of satellite computing at both Google and SpaceX, where he met with rejection. Undeterred, he founded Satlyt, a company based in Sunnyvale, California, and Nairobi, that aims to facilitate large computational jobs through satellites.
Funding and Launch Plans
Recently, Satlyt secured $8 million in seed funding, positioning them well for their ambitious plans. Their software is slated for launch aboard a SpaceX rocket, coinciding with the debut of Google’s own space data center prototype, Project Suncatcher.
A Different Approach
Unlike contemporaries such as SpaceX and startups like Cowboy Space Company, Satlyt is focusing on software rather than building its own spacecraft. Afullo likens his work to that of VMware and Snowflake, aiming to create a platform that facilitates the operation of AI models on satellites across various companies.
Efficiency in Space
Satlyt has previously conducted two successful demonstration missions. Their initial focus is on improving operational efficiencies for satellites, which often rely on ground-based flight controllers for troubleshooting. By utilizing AI onboard, the aim is to cut down on costly and slow data transfers back to Earth, thus enhancing spacecraft operations.
This March, the company tested Google DeepMind’s Gemma AI model on a Momentus spacecraft, achieving a remarkable 60% reduction in the size of transmissions regarding onboard software errors. Such advancements can translate into significant savings, amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars annually per satellite.
Future Projects
Afullo's software will support a satellite constructed by Indian startup TakeMe2Space, working on various customer projects. These include collaboration with NASA for cloud computing protocols in space and with Stellerian for testing image processing capabilities in space surveillance.
Currently, there is a lack of high-powered GPUs in orbit. However, Satlyt is preparing to demonstrate a cloud computing system comprising two satellites, with attempts scheduled for next year, which would help establish a true cloud service in space.
Investor Confidence
Satlyt's seed funding round was led by Non Sibi Ventures in Houston. Key partner Bernard Harris, a retired NASA astronaut, supports the firm’s potential in a novel, space-focused business model.
One of the compelling reasons for investment was Satlyt's business model, which does not hinge on traditional data center economics, positioning it favorably amidst the complexities of space technology. As Non Sibi partner Kent Lucas noted, the growth of Satlyt depends more on the increasing number of satellites rather than the extensive vision of space data centers.
Looking Ahead
Afullo aims for Satlyt's software to be operational on 20% of the satellites launched by the end of the decade. He believes that any spacecraft that overlooks the integration of GPUs is missing out on critical opportunities.
Satlyt stands as a promising newcomer in the competitive space technology sector, and as they prepare for their upcoming launch, the prospects for software-driven satellite computing continue to expand.