Orbital, a startup with a plan to put data centers in orbit, has raised $5 million in funding to build 10,000 space-based data centers by 2028. The company hasn't detailed where the money came from or when it will begin launching hardware.
The $5 Million Bet on Orbital Data Centers
The funding round gives Orbital enough capital to start development of what it says will be a network of data centers operating in space. Each facility is designed to process and store data outside Earth's atmosphere, though the company has not released technical specifications or launch timelines for the first units.
Why Put Data Centers in Space?
Space-based data centers could offer advantages like lower latency for satellite communications, reduced energy costs from natural cooling, and physical security. Orbital's pitch appears to center on these benefits, but the company has not publicly shared customer contracts or partner agreements.
Timeline to 2028
Orbital aims to have all 10,000 data centers operational within four years. That aggressive schedule would require frequent launches and rapid deployment. The company has not said how many satellites or rockets it will need, nor whether it plans to build its own launch vehicles or rely on existing providers.
No further details about the funding round, including the investors involved, have been disclosed. Orbital did not respond to requests for comment before publication.
