S m a l l S p a r k . U K

Space & Defence

  • Edge solutions can enable fuel optimisation and enhanced asset utilisation.

  • Advanced analytics can enable image and signal processing without cloud reliance.

  • Real-time intelligence can support decision-making despite limited connectivity.

  • Ground station pre-processing can enable efficient, low-latency data transmission.

Industry Challenges

Operating in space and defence environments requires real-time intelligence and decision-making, often without reliable connectivity. Key challenges include:

  • Delayed Data Processing – Traditional reliance on ground-based analysis slows down response times in critical scenarios.
  • High Dependence on Connectivity – Spacecraft and defence systems often operate in environments where continuous cloud access is not possible.
  • Limitations in Onboard Processing – Many spacecraft and defence assets lack the computational power to analyse data in real time, forcing them to rely on slow, high-latency transmissions to ground stations.

How SmallSpark Solves These Challenges

SmallSpark’s CORTEX platform and AXON edge computing units provide a low-latency, intelligent processing framework that enhances the capabilities of spacecraft, ground stations, and defence assets. Our solutions enable:

  • Onboard Fault Detection & Anomaly Analysis – Spacecraft can autonomously identify and react to system faults in real time, reducing mission risks and improving autonomy.
  • Advanced Image & Signal Processing – Data-intensive tasks, such as target recognition and anomaly detection, are processed onboard spacecraft or at ground stations, minimising reliance on cloud computing.
  • Real-Time Intelligence Without Constant Connectivity – Edge-based processing ensures mission-critical data can be analysed instantly, even in contested or communication-degraded environments.

  • Real-World Applications

    • Low-Latency Fault Detection – Detect and respond to spacecraft malfunctions before they escalate, reducing mission risks and improving system resilience.
    • Ground Station Pre-Processing – Process raw data on the ground before transmission to end users, reducing bandwidth requirements and improving operational efficiency.

  • Key Benefits

    ✔ Enhanced mission autonomy with onboard, real-time data processing.
    ✔ Over 90% lower latency for faster decision-making in defence and space operations.
    ✔ No reliance on constant connectivity, ensuring uninterrupted intelligence in contested environments.
    ✔ Pre-processing at ground stations reduces data transmission costs and optimises bandwidth.
    ✔ Advanced fault detection, improving the resilience of spacecraft and defence assets.

    Get Started

    Deploy real-time, intelligent edge computing for mission-critical space and defence applications. [Request a demo] today to see how SmallSpark enhances autonomy, efficiency, and security in the most demanding environments.