This week, Germany-based DE-CIX has announced a groundbreaking venture, the Space-IX initiative. The world’s largest Internet Exchange (IX) operator is now setting its ambitions beyond Earth, aiming to connect satellites in orbit. Their objective is to facilitate efficient communication between Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, terrestrial infrastructure, cloud platforms, and content providers.
Ivo Ivanov, CEO of DE-CIX, captures the initiative’s essence by stating, “Wherever networks are created, interconnection should follow.” Over thirty years, DE-CIX has built the backbone of the Internet on Earth, and now it looks to extend this network into the cosmos.
LEO satellites, like SpaceX’s Starlink, are increasingly vital in connecting remote areas where terrestrial infrastructure cannot reach. However, integrating these with terrestrial networks poses challenges, particularly for latency-sensitive applications.
To address these issues, DE-CIX is exploring advanced technologies in collaboration with the European Space Agency’s OFELIAS project. They are working with the German Aerospace Center (DLR) on laser-based communication. These optical links offer faster data rates and reduced latency than conventional radio frequencies. Yet, they face challenges, such as needing smart protocols to cope with cloud cover and atmospheric interference.
Furthermore, the prospect of launching orbital data centers offers intriguing potential. These centers could leverage limitless solar energy and natural space cooling. However, orbital infrastructure entails high initial launch costs and complex maintenance, requiring advancements in robotic technologies.
Despite these hurdles, the tech industry is keenly interested. Axiom Space plans to launch two Orbital Data Center nodes soon. These developments will necessitate a shift in IX infrastructure, incorporating space-based solutions into the digital supply chain.
DE-CIX’s recent addition of Starlink to its interconnection system in India marks a milestone, being the world’s first IX platform to include Starlink. As satellites play a larger role, interconnecting space and Earth infrastructure is critical. Ivanov emphasizes the need for a new architecture to blend space and Earth as a unified digital ecosystem, marking a new chapter in telecommunications.
The initiative represents an exciting, yet challenging leap towards the future, promising to enhance connectivity and redefine digital networking beyond the traditional realms, pushing the boundary between Earth and space even further.
