February 25th, 2025

3 min read

Drawing from decades of expertise in satellite operations and optical communication, Space Compass integrates NTT’s IOWN technology with Sky Perfect’s JSAT space asset business to collect and process satellite data in space.  

Bringing together space and Earth technologies, the network is expected to play a crucial role in eliminating disparities and improving access to critical information, especially in times of crisis. 

Revolutionizing Connectivity with Space-Based Infrastructure 

Traditional methods of transmitting data rely on radio waves and are limited by the communication capacity of ground stations and the timing of transmissions. Space Compass is working to overcome this barrier, using a photoelectric fusion device that combines optical and electronic technologies through IOWN.  

The vision of a space-integrated computing network looks like this: High-altitude platform stations (HAPS) in the stratosphere and satellites in low-to-geostationary orbit in space integrate to form a network that connects to the ground via optical wireless communications. Observation satellites acquire data, which is immediately sent to each satellite in the computing network for distributed processing. With data being processed in space and geostationary satellites only transferring necessary information, transmission costs are lower, as is the data transfer time.  

The services that Space Compass is developing to make this vision a reality are:  

  • Space Data Center Business:
    High-Capacity Communication and Computing Infrastructure in Space 

    The growing demand for on-orbit remote sensing data is a key factor driving an increase in the volume of satellite-generated data being transmitted to the cloud. In turn, this causes bandwidth congestion and increased latency. To address this problem at scale, systems need to be able to compute and analyze data before they transmit it to the ground. Space On-Board Edge Computing is being developed to do this processing while also delivering faster insights and improved response times.  

    Space On-Board Edge Computing involves computers located on geostationary satellites (GEO), analyzing and processing data in space. They can compress the huge amount of data generated in space, integrate with data on ground, and store the data in space.  

    This technology also involves the use of optical data relay services to transmit vast the amounts of data from satellites to the ground. Unlike traditional radio-based transmissions, optical communication via GEO enables high-capacity, real-time transmission of data.  

    Space Compass’s Space Data Center Business is aiming to significantly enhance the processing and relay of critical information, allowing for faster decision-making and better responses to global crises. Consider a natural disaster such as a landslide.  
  • Space Radio Access Network (RAN) Business:
    Communication Infrastructure for Beyond 5G/6G Services 

    The Space Radio Access Network (RAN) Business will provide low-latency communication services through high-altitude platform stations (HAPS) in the stratosphere.  

    HAPS, which are unmanned aerial vehicles, can fly approximately 20 km above the ground for up to several months before landing. They are equipped with transponders and other devices that enable them to cover a large area, ranging from about 100 to 200 km in diameter. 

    HAPS are flexible and resilient; for example, they would remain unaffected and operational despite earthquakes or heavy rain on the ground. Because of their wide reach and resilience, HAPS will be able to provide reliable communication services even in remote or disaster-stricken regions. As a result, this technology can be used to expand communication coverage to remote, mountainous or maritime areas – regions that were previously too expensive or challenging to cover. Imagine the benefits when a disaster strikes and people in the region can communicate with each other and with emergency services. 

    The Space RAN service will offer benefits such as high-capacity communication for ships and aircraft, as well as extending network coverage to islands and rural areas. By integrating HAPS with terrestrial base stations, mobile carriers can also make their networks more cost-effective and energy efficient.  

Space Integrated Computing Network Initiative: Bridging Ground, Sky, and Space 

The core vision of Space Compass is to create an integrated infrastructure that combines space, sky, and Earth-based technologies. This involves building optical wireless communication networks in space, alongside mobile networks in the stratosphere, to deliver high-capacity communication and computing services.  

Over time, Space Compass plans to increase the number of satellites equipped with advanced computing capabilities, expanding both communication and processing power in space. Additionally, the integration of GEO and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, along with HAPS, will extend the coverage and capabilities of the network, making it a truly global solution. 

The ultimate goal is for this space-integrated computing network to help address global challenges such as climate change, disaster response, and information inequality, transforming industries and improving the quality of life for people around the world.