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Unlocking Smarter Satellite Operations with OrbitfyPREP

  • Writer: Gaurav Bajaj
    Gaurav Bajaj
  • May 21
  • 3 min read
Introducing OrbitfyPREP: The Future of In-Orbit Operations

At Little Place Labs, we believe the next revolution in space isn't just sending satellites into orbit, it’s about making them smart. OrbitfyPREP is our flagship suite of in-orbit software modules, designed to empower satellite operators to optimize data in orbit by edge computing in space.


By transforming raw satellite data into optimized (clouds removed and compressed) and secure data before it even leaves orbit, OrbitfyPREP fundamentally shifts the paradigm of satellite operations, cutting costs, saving time, and dramatically increasing the security and efficiency of data delivery.



Why OrbitfyPREP Exists: Addressing Real Bottlenecks in Satellite Operations

The modern Earth Observation (EO) market demands speed, efficiency, and security. Yet today’s traditional workflows often involve:


  • Massive raw data downlinks, straining bandwidth, and driving costs.

  • Limited ground station access windows are causing delivery delays.

  • Security vulnerabilities risk data integrity and confidentiality.


Modern EO Market vs Traditional Workflows
Modern EO Market vs Traditional Workflow

OrbitfyPREP was purpose-built to remove these bottlenecks. It directly addresses three critical challenges:


  1. Reducing downlink bandwidth requirements

  2. Accelerating delivery of actionable insights

  3. Ensuring data security with quantum-safe encryption


Deep Dive: The Four Powerful Modules of OrbitfyPREP

Modules

Purpose

Key Functionality

Orbitfy CloudZero

Optimize Downlink

Detects and masks cloud cover, discarding unusable pixels before transmission, maximizing bandwidth utility.

Orbitfy Zip

Data Compression

Compresses imagery and insights using highly efficient standards (2:1 & 3:1 ratios), including CCSDS implementation options.

Orbitfy PrepStream

Preprocessing

Converts raw binary data into Analysis Ready Data (ARD), clipping only necessary regions, and prioritizing critical bands.

Orbitfy QLock

Quantum Safe Encryption

Applies FIPS 203 compliant Kyber-1024 ML-KEM encryption and Dilithium signatures to safeguard transmitted data.


Each module is designed to be modular, flexible, and lightweight, satellite operators can adopt one, a few, or all modules based on their mission needs.


Real Results of OrbitfyPREP

OrbitfyPREP isn’t just “another edge computing solution.” It is engineered with distinct competitive advantages:


  • Cost Savings You Can Measure: Medium-res missions can save up to $760,000/year per satellite, and high-res missions can save up to $1.6 million/year.


  • CloudZero's Intelligent Filtering: With nearly 70% of Earth's surface cloud-covered at any given time, CloudZero's ability to strip out useless cloudy data immediately frees up bandwidth and cuts noise out of downstream workflows.


  • High Compression Efficiency with Orbitfy Zip: Supporting compression ratios of 2:1 and 3:1, with a focus on preserving critical image quality and adhering to CCSDS standards.


  • Quantum-Grade Security with Orbitfy QLock: Future-proof your data with post-quantum encryption today. QLock is FIPS 203 compliant, ready for the quantum era​.


  • Minimal Hardware Footprint: It works on ARM, x86, and soon RISC processors, with minimal storage/memory needs. It is designed for compatibility even with modest data processing units (DPUs).


How Satellite Operators Can Implement OrbitfyPREP

Integration is fast, flexible, and customized to your mission. Here’s a typical deployment journey for an operator:


  1. Initial Consultation: Set up an introductory call to understand your satellite’s architecture and mission needs.

  2. Customization: Define the right Orbitfy Prep modules, configurations, and data priorities for your mission.

  3. Agreement & Deployment: Sign a Master Services Agreement (MSA), after which your customized Orbitfy Prep suite is delivered for integration.

  4. Launch and Operate: Once on-orbit, you start to realise the benefits of OrbitfyPREP immediately.


The Road Ahead: OrbitfyPREP for Future Constellations

Our roadmap for OrbitfyPREP looks bold and ambitious:


  • Constellation-Wide Deployments: We are working toward embedding OrbitfyPREP across entire constellations, enabling dynamic, adaptive in-orbit operations that evolve.


  • Sensor Agnosticism: OrbitfyPREP already supports Optical, Multispectral, and Hyperspectral sensors, and will soon extend to Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Thermal IR payloads.


  • Inter-Satellite Optimization: We are building capabilities for onboard data routing between satellites, using edge-compressed and encrypted data for networked constellations.


  • Full Support for Post-Quantum Networking: As quantum computing advances, Orbitfy QLock will continue leading in securing data links for tomorrow’s sovereign space infrastructures.


Final Thoughts

In the fast-moving space economy, speed, efficiency, and security are mission-critical. OrbitfyPREP is a game-changer in satellite operations. 


Reach out to us here or book a meeting with our team today.



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