Ball Aerospace Prototype Payload to Provide On-Orbit Data Processing

Ball Aerospace successfully launched a prototype payload on January 3, 2023, as part of Loft Orbital's YAM-5 mission aboard a SpaceX rocket.

Rhea-AI Summary

Ball Aerospace successfully launched a prototype payload on January 3, 2023, as part of Loft Orbital's YAM-5 mission aboard a SpaceX rocket. The payload, equipped with Linux-based software, is designed for real-time data processing and features containerized applications adjustable on-orbit. Developed in just eight months, it aims to optimize space data processing, leveraging Microsoft’s Azure Orbital Space SDK. The collaboration demonstrates Ball's commitment to innovative and efficient solutions in low-Earth orbit operations, enhancing capabilities for future missions and reducing engineering costs.

Positive

• Successful launch of the prototype payload on January 3, 2023.
• Efficient development timeline of just eight months for the payload.
• Integration of advanced software technology, including Microsoft's Azure Orbital Space SDK.
• Potential for reduced non-recurring engineering costs for future missions.

Negative

• None.

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BROOMFIELD, Colo., March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ball Aerospace successfully powered and launched a prototype payload on January 3, 2023, on Loft Orbital's (Loft) YAM-5 mission aboard a SpaceX rocket. The payload is functioning as planned and is equipped with Ball Aerospace-built Linux-based software, which features containerized applications that can be changed on-orbit, as well as real-time data processing functions.

"This rideshare payload is an informative rapid development opportunity allowing us to pioneer best practices and processes that will enable the reduction of non-recurring engineering on future missions," said Mike Gazarik, Vice President of Engineering, Ball Aerospace. "Loft's simple turnkey solution has enabled Ball Aerospace to respond to our customers' desire for faster technology refresh and more affordable solutions."

The edge processing demonstration payload was built in just eight months, showcasing small, flexible, affordable and resilient low-Earth orbit (LEO) solutions. The software payload is comprised of containerized software, including a prototype version of Microsoft's Azure Orbital Space SDK platform, to increase reuse and decrease costs and scheduling times. Algorithms hosted on-board are able to remove clouds from the imagery that are obstructing data or prioritize downlink of data based on image content. The payload was integrated onto Loft's modular payload interface and is currently using Loft's mission-agnostic satellite operations platform, Cockpit.

"The rideshare project with Ball Aerospace using the Azure Orbital Space SDK shows customers how to optimize their space data in-orbit and create faster pathways to insights providing a strong foundation for future pursuits," said Steve Kitay, senior director, Microsoft Azure Space. "This first phase of our on-orbit compute partnership is a step forward in bringing our mutual customers a standardized platform for application development in space."

Ball Aerospace has a deep heritage of designing and building high-performance space vehicles, instruments and mission applications for defense and civil customers. With this demonstration payload, the modular technology combines proven expertise with advanced tools and processes, allowing for accelerated development timelines and future mission operations.

Powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus, Ball Aerospace pioneers discoveries that enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most. We create innovative space solutions, enable more accurate weather forecasts, drive insightful observations of our planet, deliver actionable data and intelligence, and ensure those who defend our freedom go forward bravely and return home safely. Go Beyond with Ball. ® For more information, visit www.ball.com/aerospace or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter.

About Ball Corporation
Ball Corporation (NYSE: BALL) supplies innovative, sustainable aluminum packaging solutions for beverage, personal care and household products customers, as well as aerospace and other technologies and services primarily for the U.S. government. Ball Corporation and its subsidiaries employ 21,000 people worldwide and reported 2022 net sales of $15.35 billion. For more information, visit www.ball.com, or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter.

Forward-Looking Statements 
This release contains "forward-looking" statements concerning future events and financial performance. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "believes," and similar expressions typically identify forward-looking statements, which are generally any statements other than statements of historical fact. Such statements are based on current expectations or views of the future and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied. You should therefore not place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements and they should be read in conjunction with, and qualified in their entirety by, the cautionary statements referenced below. Ball undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Key factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to be different are summarized in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Exhibit 99 in Ball's Form 10-K, which are available on Ball's website and at www.sec.gov. Additional factors that might affect: a) Ball's packaging segments include product capacity, supply, and demand constraints and fluctuations and changes in consumption patterns; availability/cost of raw materials, equipment, and logistics; competitive packaging, pricing and substitution; changes in climate and weather and related events such as drought, wildfires, storms, hurricanes, tornadoes and floods; footprint adjustments and other manufacturing changes, including the startup of new facilities and lines; failure to achieve synergies, productivity improvements or cost reductions; unfavorable mandatory deposit or packaging laws; customer and supplier consolidation; power and supply chain interruptions; changes in major customer or supplier contracts or loss of a major customer or supplier; inability to pass through increased costs; war, political instability and sanctions, including relating to the situation in Russia and Ukraine and its impact on Ball's supply chain and its ability to operate in Europe, the Middle East and Africa regions generally; changes in foreign exchange or tax rates; and tariffs, trade actions, or other governmental actions, including business restrictions and orders affecting goods produced by Ball or in its supply chain, including imported raw materials; b) Ball's aerospace segment include funding, authorization, availability and returns of government and commercial contracts; and delays, extensions and technical uncertainties affecting segment contracts; c) Ball as a whole include those listed above plus: the extent to which sustainability-related opportunities arise and can be capitalized upon; changes in senior management, succession, and the ability to attract and retain skilled labor; regulatory actions or issues including those related to tax, environmental, social and governance reporting, competition, environmental, health and workplace safety, including U.S. Federal Drug Administration and other actions or public concerns affecting products filled in Ball's containers, or chemicals or substances used in raw materials or in the manufacturing process; technological developments and innovations; the ability to manage cyber threats; litigation; strikes; disease; pandemic; labor cost changes; inflation; rates of return on assets of Ball's defined benefit retirement plans; pension changes; uncertainties surrounding geopolitical events and governmental policies, including policies, orders, and actions related to COVID-19; reduced cash flow; interest rates affecting Ball's debt; and successful or unsuccessful joint ventures, acquisitions and divestitures, and their effects on Ball's operating results and business generally.

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SOURCE Ball Aerospace

FAQ

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What was launched by Ball Aerospace on January 3, 2023?

Ball Aerospace launched a prototype payload on January 3, 2023, as part of Loft Orbital's YAM-5 mission.

What technology does the Ball Aerospace payload utilize?

The payload uses Linux-based software featuring containerized applications for on-orbit adjustments and real-time data processing.

Who partnered with Ball Aerospace for the YAM-5 mission?

Ball Aerospace partnered with Loft Orbital for the YAM-5 mission and utilized Microsoft's Azure Orbital Space SDK.

How long did it take to develop the prototype payload?

The prototype payload was developed in just eight months.

What is the significance of the prototype payload's technology?

The technology allows for optimized data processing in space and could reduce engineering costs for future missions.