Los Angeles-based startup Orbital has raised $5 million to develop an in-orbit computing demonstration and plans to launch over 100,000 orbital data centers to address the growing demand for AI infrastructure, with its first satellite, Orbital-1, expected in 2028. The initiative aims to provide significant computing power, with each satellite designed to deliver 100 kilowatts, outpacing current commercial satellites.
The most valuable insight for someone tracking space tech and commercial space ventures is Orbital's plan to deploy over 100,000 orbital data centers, each capable of 100 kW of compute power, to meet AI infrastructure demands. This ambitious project, which significantly surpasses current commercial satellite power capabilities, indicates a substantial upcoming demand for heavy-lift launch vehicles and advanced satellite manufacturing, presenting potential investment opportunities in these related sectors.