A survey on cloud computing technology and its application to satellite ground systems

The first artificial satellite was sent to space by the Soviet Union in 1957. Since then, a vast number of satellites have been sent to space for several purposes. These purposes include communications, earth observation, weather forecasting, navigation, reconnaissance, astronomical research etc. Satellites collect the required data; to process this data and make it useful according to purpose is the job of satellite ground systems. To accomplish this job, these systems embody computer infrastructures at different scales. Here is where cloud computing technology enters the scene. It offers appealing advantages like reduced cost, increased availability, scalability and flexibility for these infrastructures. In this paper, we examine cloud computing technology which is the latest trend in IT and how it can be applied to satellite ground systems.