Microsoft is expanding the space and Azure network capabilities. First Microsoft is introducing the Azure Orbital Cloud Access bringing Azure connectivity from anywhere on the planet and building on the SpaceX Starlink service. The service is a monthly subscription. Second, the Azure Orbital Ground Stations are now generally available. This service is a fully managed ground station offering directly connecting satellite operators with the Azure platform. Details on these announcements and additional new satellite partners can be found here
Why This Matters
- By partnering with SpaceX and the SpaceX Starlink service, direct connections from remote locations anywhere in the world can now get directly to Azure in one network hop. This can provide options to significantly rethink networks and remote environments.
- This also allows more cloud services to be delivered right to the edge in locations that may never have been an option previously without very expensive network operations.
- The service also has the ability to switch between connections based on what is available at the time making satellite a backup option in places that need alternative network solutions.
