SpaceOS

The Problem: Traditional Satellite Software Falls Short

Inefficient & Bulky

Traditional satellite payload operating systems are not optimized for space. They consume excessive memory and power, reducing mission capabilities and shortening operational life.

Security Risks

Large, complex OS codebases present significant attack surfaces. A single vulnerability can compromise an entire mission – a remote hack in space could be catastrophic.

Inflexible

Once in orbit, legacy systems are difficult to update or repurpose. This rigidity limits innovation and the ability to adapt satellites to evolving mission needs.

The Solution: SpaceOS

SpaceOS is a next-generation operating system built specifically for satellite payloads, using unikernel architecture to reduce size, increase security, and optimize performance.

Each application runs with only the code it truly needs, yielding a platform that is extremely lightweight (up to 20× smaller than traditional systems) and Secure by Design from the ground up.

With SpaceOS, satellites become more adaptable and reliable – able to run multiple applications or receive updates seamlessly – all while drastically reducing security risks.

Launching 2025

SpaceOS will fly on its maiden space mission aboard Clustergate-1 via SpaceX's Transporter-13 rideshare, demonstrating real-world capability in partnership with DPhi Space.

Key Advantages

SpaceOS ensures security by design, boosting efficiency, accelerating innovation, and enabling adaptability in the harshest environments.

Unikernel Architecture

Each application runs on its own streamlined OS image containing only the necessary components. This yields a drastically smaller footprint (up to 20× smaller than alternatives), lower resource use, and a tiny attack surface for malware.

Security by Design

Built with a security-first approach, SpaceOS inherently reduces vulnerabilities. Fewer lines of code and isolated workloads mean fewer pathways for hackers—critical for systems that must be cyber-resilient in space.

High Efficiency

With minimal bloat, SpaceOS maximizes the use of onboard CPU, memory, and power. More of your satellite's limited resources go to the mission instead of OS overhead, which can extend mission life and enable more advanced processing on orbit.

Accelerated Innovation

SpaceOS's flexibility enables rapid deployment of new features and applications. Its modular design supports reconfigurable payloads and multi-tenant use (multiple apps sharing one satellite safely), unlocking faster iteration and new services in space.

Use Cases

AI-Powered Earth Observation

Real-time image processing with onboard AI models. SpaceOS enables powerful processing capabilities directly on satellites, reducing the need for downlink bandwidth.

Secure Mission Operations

SpaceOS ensures resilient & cyber-secure satellite operations. Critical for defense, government, and commercial missions where security is paramount.

Next-Gen Space Marketplaces

Enable third-party application deployment on satellites. Create new business models by securely hosting multiple applications on a single satellite infrastructure.

Proven & Trusted

SpaceOS is developed in collaboration with leading aerospace organizations

Industry Partnerships

Parsimoni develops SpaceOS in collaboration with leading organizations in the aerospace industry. Under the EU-backed ORCHIDE program, SpaceOS is co-developed alongside major partners like Thales Alenia Space to drive cutting-edge, secure satellite software.

First Mission in Space

SpaceOS isn't just a concept – it's being tested in orbit. In 2025, SpaceOS will fly on its maiden space mission aboard Clustergate-1 (SpaceX's Transporter-13 rideshare). This demonstration in partnership with DPhi Space validates SpaceOS in a real operational environment, showcasing its reliability and performance for live missions.

Launch Date

2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about SpaceOS and unikernel technology

Unikernels are specialized single-purpose operating systems that package only the essential components required by one application. Unlike a traditional OS, a unikernel eliminates all unnecessary drivers, services, and layers, resulting in a much smaller, faster, and more secure runtime. This makes unikernels ideal for resource-constrained, security-critical environments like satellites, where every byte and watt matters.

SpaceOS is built as a unikernel-based system, meaning each payload or application gets its own tailor-made OS instance instead of relying on one large OS for everything. It's dramatically lighter weight – often tens of times smaller than Linux or RTOS alternatives – which boosts performance and reduces risk. SpaceOS also bakes in security from the start (using safe programming practices and a minimal codebase), unlike legacy systems that often treat security as an add-on.

"Secure by Design" means security is engineered into SpaceOS at every level, not added as an afterthought. The operating system is built with robust safety practices and a minimal footprint to reduce potential vulnerabilities. For example, fewer libraries and a smaller codebase mean there are far fewer points for hackers to target. This proactive approach, combined with strict isolation between applications, ensures SpaceOS provides strong, inherent protection against cyber threats – crucial for satellites that can't be easily patched in orbit.

SpaceOS: The Secure Unikernel OS for Satellite Payloads