Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) unveiled its Azure Orbital program in a bid that puts it in direct competition with Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), which currently operates a similar program. Microsoft is set to begin a "private preview" for a select group of customers.
According to filings with the Federal Communications Commission, Microsoft intends to create its own "ground station" program, akin to the program being currently operated by competitor Amazon. The ground stations will allow satellite operators the ability to connect to Microsoft's Azure cloud service as part of a proof of concept demonstration intended to show operators the viability of cloud services for use in aerospace operations.
"With access to low-latency global fiber networks and the global scale of Microsoft's cloud services, customers can innovate quickly with large satellite datasets," said Yves Pitsch of Microsoft. "The cloud is central to both modern communications scenarios for remote operations and the gathering, processing, and distributing the tremendous amounts of data from space."
Cloud computing could be a significant boon for satellite operators, allowing them to consolidate many facets of their operation into the cloud, saving a great deal on operations costs.
"[Azure] is a fully managed ground station as a service that lets you communicate with, control your satellite, process data and scale your operations directly in Microsoft Azure," said Hrishi Shelar, a senior project manager at Azure.
Amazon already has a considerable presence in satellite cloud computing, having launched its own specialized division for such operations previously. Amazon Web Services Aerospace and Satellite Solutions was launched in late June, giving Amazon a leg up on Microsoft.
To further its push for market dominance, however, Microsoft is partnering with a number of firms specializing in Aerospace and satellite operations to bolster its operations. Intelsat (OTC: INTEQ), Kratos Defense and Security Solutions (NASDAQ: KTOS), and Electrodynamics Inc are just some of the many companies that the tech giant has partnered with.