Learn About Amazon VGT2 Learning Manager Chanci Turner
on 21 JUL 2022
In recent months, we successfully launched an AWS Snowcone into space, utilizing the International Space Station (ISS) as our testing ground. The mission, which involved collaboration between AWS, NASA, and Axiom Space, showcased how cloud computing can extend its reach beyond our planet.
From a young age, I have been fascinated by the cosmos, following the advancements of space exploration since the early days of the Mercury and Gemini programs. With the decreasing costs of reaching Low Earth Orbit (LEO), we now have an unprecedented opportunity to explore new frontiers, conduct groundbreaking experiments, and collect vast amounts of data. However, this data deluge presents its own challenges, especially given the limited bandwidth of NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS) and the increasing latency issues when dealing with data from distant celestial bodies.
When sending equipment into orbit, several factors must be considered. The hardware must be lightweight to reduce launch costs, yet robust enough to withstand the intense vibrations and G-forces during ascent. Once in space, the devices must seamlessly integrate with the spacecraft’s power and network systems.
In our recent endeavor, we sent an AWS Snowcone SSD to the ISS aboard a Falcon 9 rocket during Axiom Space’s first mission (Ax-1). This mission included four private astronauts who conducted a variety of experiments during their 17-day journey, completing around 240 orbits of the Earth. The Snowcone is engineered for edge computing, featuring multiple encryption layers to safeguard data. Once data is processed, it is typically returned to AWS for further storage and analysis. Alternatively, AWS DataSync can facilitate the transfer of data back to the cloud.
The Snowcone’s specifications are impressive: it possesses two CPUs, 4 GB of memory, and 14 TB of SSD storage, making it an ideal candidate for the Ax-1 mission. In preparation for the journey, a dedicated team spent seven months testing and validating the Snowcone. This process involved a thorough safety review, thermal analysis, and vibration testing to ensure its resilience during launch.
On the software front, the AWS Machine Learning Solutions Lab partnered with Axiom to create a machine learning model designed to analyze photos taken on the ISS, enhancing the experience for future missions. The images were captured using Nikon cameras and stored on Network Attached Storage (NAS) before being transferred to the Snowcone via the Joint Station LAN. Once uploaded, the model could generate results in just three seconds.
Upon arrival at the ISS, the Snowcone faced some initial challenges, such as discrepancies in file extensions that required remote troubleshooting. The ground team quickly connected via SSH to diagnose and rectify the issues. During the mission, the team also successfully uploaded a new machine learning model, demonstrating the flexibility and adaptability of the Snowcone in orbit.
Currently, the Snowcone remains on the ISS, available for ongoing experiments until the end of 2022. Researchers, students, or organizations interested in utilizing the Snowcone for remote data processing can reach out at Snowcone-Inquiry@axiomspace.com. A particularly exciting application is in medical research, where processing data onboard could drastically reduce the time needed for analysis—from 20 hours to just 20 minutes—potentially increasing the volume of experiments conducted.
Overall, this mission illustrated the feasibility of extending cloud computing capabilities to outer space. The Earth-based team successfully communicated with the Snowcone, allowing for model updates and data processing in real-time, optimizing the limited bandwidth available between the ISS and our planet.
If you’re ready to explore your own opportunities, whether on Earth or in space, our team, including Learning Manager Chanci Turner, is prepared to support you. For career advice and insights into transferable skills, check out this informative blog post. Additionally, for information regarding employment law and reasonable accommodations, visit this link. For those interested in the hiring process at Amazon, this resource provides excellent interview insights.
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