An open standard for cloud native space operations
The Digital Space Consortium is an open industry body defining the Digital Space Interface, a common interface for onboard information processing. Shared interfaces let applications move between spacecraft, and between orbit and the ground, so the tools and skills that built the cloud on Earth can be applied in space.
What the consortium does
Satellites are becoming software defined, and more computing is moving onboard. Today an application written for one spacecraft rarely runs on another without custom rework. The Digital Space Consortium defines the Digital Space Interface, a common set of interfaces for onboard information processing, so capability can be built once and reused across the ecosystem.
Standardized interfaces let satellite applications move between platforms. The consortium works at the interface level and does not standardize hardware, middleware, or operating systems, so members stay free to build their own implementations.
Joint development, technical demonstration, and shared information reduce the cost and risk of building for space, for members and for the wider industry. Members receive continuous updates, venues to meet, and new business opportunities.
The DSI Specifications are intended for publication under the Apache License 2.0. Open specifications lower the barrier to entry for new participants and support the long term, sustainable growth of the digital space market.
Why now
Higher resolution sensors and larger constellations generate far more data than ground links can carry. Processing has to move closer to where the data is created.
When the time from observation to delivery is critical, advanced processing needs to run directly on the platform rather than after downlink.
As hardware and software decouple, missions are updated over the air. That shift needs common interfaces to stay interoperable at scale.
The Digital Space Interface
The Digital Space Interface is a common interface for onboard information processing systems. Its purpose is to let a spacecraft be worked with using the same practices developers already use on Earth, so that mission capability is portable rather than tied to one platform.
The founding members are defining the initial DSI Specifications through the consortium Working Groups. Nothing is published yet. Members shape the specifications as they are written, and receive access according to their participation category.
Who it is for
Cloud native space operations sit where two industries meet. Erasing the boundary between Space and Earth takes the space sector and the cloud, software, and data industries working to the same interfaces. The consortium is open to any organisation with an interest in that outcome, whether or not it has ever built a spacecraft.
Cloud providers, data platforms, and infrastructure operators extending their reach into orbit.
Application developers, AI and analytics vendors, and tooling providers who want their software to run in space.
Satellite manufacturers, operators, payload and onboard computing suppliers, and integrators.
Government, defence, science, civil, and commercial users who depend on timely information from space.
The aim is a digital space market where capability moves freely between orbit and the ground. Reaching it needs contributors from well beyond the traditional space supply chain, and they are welcome here.
Founding members
The consortium is established by three founding members, who define the initial DSI Specifications and open participation to principal members, general members, and DSI adopters.
Work plan
The founding members set the project schedule and milestones. Working Groups do the technical work and report to the Steering Committee, which approves what is adopted and published.
Stand up the Steering Committee, admit the first members, charter the initial Working Groups, and agree the scope and requirements for the first specification.
Working Groups gather technical input, evaluate proposals, and draft the initial DSI Specifications. Members submit contributions, use cases, and interoperability issues.
Validate through technical demonstration and interoperability testing, then adopt and publish by unanimous consent of the founding members.
Meetings and events
Working Groups meet every four months, and the consortium gathers in person alongside major industry events. Registration details are published here as each event opens.
Participation
The consortium defines four categories of participation. Applications are approved by the Steering Committee, and the consortium is now open to new participants.
Establish the consortium and define the initial DSI Specifications.
Propose and lead Working Groups, contribute to the specifications, and receive early access to drafts and roadmaps.
Participate in Working Groups, submit contributions and use cases, and access finalized specifications.
Receive, use, and implement the finalized DSI Specifications.
News
London, United Kingdom, July 21, 2026 The Digital Space Consortium (DSC) has officially been established following the signing of the Consortium Agreement by its founding members: Blue Marble…
Contact
If your organisation builds, operates, or supplies any part of a cloud native space system, we would like to hear from you. Send a note and the consortium will respond.
