Beyond Earth: Orbital Data Centres and In-Orbit Compute

‘Beyond Earth: Orbital Data Centres and In-Orbit Compute’ examines the growing pressures facing terrestrial digital infrastructure and the emerging case for relocating elements of compute and data processing into orbit. The report explores how orbital data centres could offer a complementary infrastructure model that is more resilient, sustainable, and suited to latency sensitive and security critical applications as global data generation accelerates and energy, water, and land constraints intensify. Drawing on insights from a multi stakeholder workshop and detailed market analysis, it outlines the technological drivers, use cases, risks, and economic scenarios shaping the evolution of in orbit compute, alongside an assessment of the global competitive landscape.

The report also sets out the strategic opportunity for coordinated action, particularly for government, defence, and industry stakeholders seeking to shape standards, regulation, and early demand. It highlights the importance of collaboration to address technical, regulatory, and investment challenges and to move from demonstration toward deployment.

Readers are invited to register their interest in joining an Orbital Data Centres working group, which will focus on refining use cases, addressing barriers, and developing a roadmap for leadership in this emerging domain. Click here to express your interest >>