Sierra Space, the Colorado-based commercial space company, and the tech giant IBM have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop next-generation space technologies that will help astronauts efficiently manage and coordinate tasks through the integration of IBM’s data analysis and collection technology.
IBM’s platform would enable a digital transformation for Sierra Space, which is seeking to automate its business operations for better performance and deliver actionable insights. It will also help automate application and data flows to improve client experiences and generate insights into threats, orchestrate actions and automate responses.
Both companies are envisioning a first-of-its-kind technology platform in space that will provide cloud services and drive mission operations, while also supporting the development of new applications for commerce, research, tourism and more.
“Sierra Space is leading the design, development and operations for the future of commercial space and infrastructure,” said the company’s CEO Tom Vice.
“Through this planned agreement with IBM, we will leverage the full depth of its industry expertise and innovative technology portfolio to evaluate and support unique in-space challenges we will face as we build the future of commercial space.”
“IBM is committed to re-invigorating approaches to science and innovation to meet today’s biggest challenges. Collaborating with a leader like Sierra Space will support the growth of a more robust space economy in low-Earth orbit and beyond,” added Naeem Altaf, CTO, IBM Space.
“There is unlimited potential for humanity’s future in space. We see Sierra Space as a core leader and collaborator in advancing that vision. In this envisioned – but secured – environment, collaborators and partners will be able to innovate, co-create, and co-operate together at scale in a way that drives mutual benefit for the space industry.”
