[Via Satellite 08-17-2016] Vector Space Systems and VMware announced the launch of its software-defined satellites business unit named Galactic Sky. The idea is building a new business platform to provide startups, innovators and entrepreneurs with access to satellite capabilities, satellite-derived big data and constellation infrastructures. Headquartered in San Jose, California, the division will open the door for a new wave of companies to explore and experiment with satellites without the traditional costs and time to market associated with paying for a rocket launch and mastering the complexities of creating a satellite.

Using a software-defined satellite platform, startups will be able to use completely virtualized satellites already in orbit to access what was before beyond their fiscal and technological reach. Companies will be able to leverage micro satellites which can change their role dynamically and in near real-time for the purposes of developing and testing unique commercial, government and industrial applications, according to the companies.

Galactic Sky’s focus will be on those customers that require tailored imagery, onboard analytics, ultra-secure data storage and transfer, and high-speed communications, which are only possible from space. This capability will make space assets accessible to entrepreneurs and innovators and, in the process, will unleash new uses of space platforms.

Galactic Sky will be a satellite virtualization platform that includes: satellite design tools, space application lifecycle and container management, cloud-based space simulation services including a full suite of SDKs and APIs for quick development as well as a satellite optimized distribution of Linux named GalacticOS. This capability, in conjunction with our frequent and reliable launch system, will offer a complete vertically integrated solution ready for innovators and entrepreneurs to bring their unique ideas, payloads and applications to a space ready platform.

Shaun Coleman, a Vector Space board member and investor, will spearhead the division under his new position as vice president and general manager of space data systems. Coleman brings more than 20 years of enterprise software, virtualization, computer networking and information security expertise into the role, and will lead a team of developers in Silicon Valley who will build the next generation of software based space systems.

“I first invested in Vector because I saw the opportunity to extend innovation into space with an advanced concept of an affordable launch vehicle,” Coleman said. “This vision has continued to grow, as we have realized that there is an even larger opportunity to extend our capabilities beyond just launch. Through virtualized satellites, we have the opportunity to impact the whole space industry by turning it on its head and opening up an entirely new market to innovators who aren’t rocket, satellite or even space experts. Providing this flexible and elastic infrastructure to entrepreneurs will be the great equalizer to finally help democratize access to space.”

The announcement comes on the heels of Vector’s first customer payload contract, a 21-launch agreement with Finnish-based Iceye. Vector remains on track for its first orbital launch in 2018, with a number of pathfinding ground operations planned at candidate launch sites early this fall.