Issue Orbital data centres move from concept to funded programmes

Summary

Orbital data centres are moving from an idea to programmes with real funding behind them. Even counting launch emissions, processing data in space could shrink its carbon footprint by up to ten times. Starcloud, a start-up formerly called Lumen Orbit, launched its first satellite with large solar arrays and advanced cooling and raised $170 million at a $1.1 billion valuation in 2026. China launched the first 12 of a planned 2,800 satellites for in-orbit processing in 2025, the UAE start-up Madari Space plans a first mission in 2026, the EU's ASCEND study targets proof of concept in 2031, and Google is exploring SpaceX launches for a prototype of its Project Suncatcher in 2027. High launch costs, debris, radiation, solar flares and the difficulty of repairs remain unresolved obstacles.