Country’s top space agency is studying the feasibility of carrying out data processing and storage directly aboard satellites, a move that could reduce dependence on ground-based systems and speed up the delivery of critical information, the government said in a written reply to Parliament.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has conducted preliminary evaluations into what it described as edge computing infrastructure in space, which would allow satellites to process data while in orbit rather than transmitting large volumes of raw information back to Earth for analysis.
According to the government response, early studies suggest that developing a proof of concept for such in-orbit data processing is feasible. However, reply cautioned that turning the idea into a fully operational system would require significant technological advances in areas such as power generation in space, radiation-hardened processors and secure shielding for satellites.
ISRO says work so far remains at exploratory stage
ISRO said the work so far remains at an exploratory stage and has been carried out internally within the department. No timelines or costs were disclosed for potential deployment.
Edge computing in space could have practical benefits for applications where speed is critical. Satellites equipped with onboard data processing could filter and analyse information before transmission, sending only relevant outputs to ground stations.
This could reduce latency for uses such as disaster monitoring, early warning systems and strategic or defence-related applications, where delays can have serious consequences.
The government said onboard processing would also provide greater operational flexibility, particularly for communication satellites. By enabling in-orbit reconfiguration, satellites could adapt to changing requirements without relying solely on ground-based control systems.
Globally, space agencies and private companies are exploring similar concepts as satellite constellations grow in size and complexity. Processing data closer to where it is generated is seen as a way to manage bandwidth constraints and improve responsiveness, especially as Earth observation and communication satellites collect ever-larger volumes of data.
The technical challenges outlined by ISRO are significant, as space-based computing systems must operate reliably in harsh environments for long durations. Radiation exposure, limited power availability and cybersecurity risks are among the main hurdles.
