Space isn’t just for hardware anymore. In this episode, Rama Afullo, founder and CEO of Satlyt, shares how his team is building a virtual data center in orbit—leveraging software-only solutions to help satellites interconnect and monetize excess compute capacity.

With deep roots at SpaceX’s Starlink and Google Cloud, Rama reveals the realities and breakthroughs of edge computing off-planet, Satlyt’s collaborations with NASA, and how mission-driven innovation is fueling an open, decentralized future for space operators, agencies, and everyday users. The conversation covers interoperability, security, AI-powered optimization, and what the next generation of space entrepreneurship looks like.

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About the Guest

Rama Afullo is founder and CEO of Satlyt, the decentralized software platform turning satellites into interoperable nodes for compute and sensing in space. Prior to founding Satlyt, Rama helped scale Starlink at SpaceX, managed global AI startup programs at Google, and launched energy tech solutions for Tesla in Africa. His “Android-like” vision for Satlyt aims to democratize access, connect diverse satellite operators, and power a new era of in-space cloud and data services.

Learn more at:

• Satlyt.ai

• Satlyt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/satlyt

• Rama on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rama-afullo

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Takeaways

- Rama Afullo's journey from SpaceX and Google to founding Satlyt.

- Satlyt aims to create a virtual data center in space.

- Inter-satellite networks enable monetization of excess compute capacity.

- The importance of interoperability in the space industry.

- Challenges faced by startups in the space ecosystem.

- The role of AI and cloud in satellite optimization.

- Future vision for Satlyt as a major player in the space ecosystem.

- The impact of regulatory frameworks on space innovation.

- Collaboration opportunities with NASA and other agencies.

- Rama's personal insights on the future of space technology.

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Sound bites

- "Interoperability is key in the space industry."

- "AI and cloud are transforming satellite optimization."

- "Satlyt aims to democratize space access."

- "The future of space technology is bright."

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Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction to Rama Afullo and Satlyt

00:03:00 The Vision for Inter-Satellite Networks

00:09:00 Challenges and Opportunities in the Space Industry

00:15:00 The Role of AI and Cloud in Satellite Optimization

00:21:00 Future Vision and Collaboration with NASA

00:27:00 Challenges Faced by Startups in the Space Ecosystem

00:33:00 The Impact of Regulatory Frameworks on Space Innovation

00:39:00 Collaboration Opportunities with NASA and Other Agencies

00:45:00 Rama's Personal Insights on the Future of Space Technology

00:51:00 Closing Thoughts and Future Vision for Satlyt

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