Canada’s Kepler Communications has launched the largest orbital compute cluster in January, boasting 40 Nvidia Orin processors across ten operational satellites. The company now works with 18 customers, including startup Sophia Space, which tests its software for orbit-based computers on Kepler’s constellation.

The partnership is crucial as experts predict large-scale data centers won’t arrive until the 2030s. For the next decade, data processing in space will focus on enhancing satellite sensor capabilities and reducing overheating issues that plague GPUs.

Kepler envisions its network infrastructure for satellite applications, while Sophia aims to develop passive cooling systems vital for future space-based data centers. By uploading proprietary software onto Kepler’s satellites, Sophia plans to demonstrate complex operations in orbit, setting a precedent for the sector.

The potential of edge processing—handling data where it is collected—is seen as pivotal. This contrasts with established players like SpaceX and Blue Origin, which focus on large-scale data centers. Mitry believes that distributed GPUs are more efficient than one powerful processor running at low capacity.

Furthermore, the U.S. military's interest in satellite-based radar systems highlights the strategic importance of space computing. As Earth’s regulations tighten around data center construction, space might become an increasingly attractive alternative.