Abstract: A system, architecture and method for data handling, computation, and communication for Earth-based and space-based activities through the use of ground and space-based systems. The system architecture may include a Core Space Layer. The system architecture may further include an Earth User Layer, a Relay Layer, a Computing Layer, a Terrestrial Communications Layer, and a Space User Layer. The Computing Layer is a cloud-based architecture that serves to reduce bandwidth burdens on Earth-Space trunk by processing data into manageable streams of information. The Core Space Layer contains LEO satellites, one of which may act as a dedicated computing node. The Core Space Layer may operate in a public and/or private mode with a first constellation of LEO satellites operating in a private mode and a second constellation of LEO satellites operating in a public mode.