Recent advances in satellite technology are revolutionizing digital infrastructure projects by integrating with cloud hosting and services. Satellites are no longer solely used for connecting remote locations or expanding bandwidth; they now enable new possibilities in various areas such as edge computing, private 5G, IoT, big data, and digital twinning.
Satellites act as “fiber in the sky,” providing seamless connectivity to automate technologies in remote locations. For instance, in the commercial shipping industry, new applications automate navigation and onboard operations to comply with fuel and energy efficiency standards. IoT-based instrumentation helps track cargo, preventing loss and reducing manual search time.
Industries like oil and gas are leveraging satellites to optimize efficiency. Vast amounts of data collected from thousands of sensors on oil rigs are transmitted to cloud systems through satellite uplinks. This data analysis enhances exploration accuracy, reduces energy consumption, and makes the process more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Satellites also enable organizations to become more data-driven. They establish high-capacity connections between remote sites and global cloud data centers, facilitating data collection, storage, and advanced analysis. With data generation doubling every two years, high-performance networks are necessary to support these distributed computing workloads and ensure flexibility in connectivity.
Satellites are critical for military, government, and first responder operations. Secure and sovereign cloud access becomes imperative when connecting to international military bases. Mobile extensions and real-time transmission via drones and unmanned aircraft require greater reach and bandwidth. In disaster scenarios, satellite connectivity can restore high-bandwidth communication when wired connections are disrupted, allowing first responders to quickly establish local edge cloud capabilities.
Digital transformation relies on cloud-driven technologies, but they require a robust, high-performance network for seamless connectivity. Satellites play a crucial role in supporting cloud infrastructure, ensuring ubiquitous access, and extending cloud capabilities to remote sites. These advancements enable organizations to achieve successful outcomes and a return on their digitalization investments.