GPU in orbit: Canadian startup builds the world’s first commercial data center in space

Canadian company Kepler Communications has deployed the largest computing data center in orbit to date, already serving 18 clients. It recently announced a new partner - startup Sophia Space, which will test its software on a unique orbital computer hosted aboard Kepler’s satellite constellation.

Although interest in space-based data centers is rapidly growing, the number of GPUs in orbit remains limited. However, this is beginning to change, as a clearer short-term business model for orbital computing starts to take shape. Kepler’s cluster, launched in January, includes around 40 NVIDIA Orin processors distributed across 10 active satellites, all interconnected via laser communication links.

Experts believe that large-scale orbital data centers - such as those envisioned by SpaceX and Blue Origin - are unlikely to emerge before the 2030s. The first step will focus on processing data directly in orbit, significantly enhancing the capabilities of space-based sensors used by both private companies and government agencies.

“Kepler doesn’t see itself as a traditional data center company, but rather as infrastructure for space applications,” said CEO Mina Mitry in an interview with TechCrunch.

The company aims to become a connectivity layer, providing network services to other satellites, as well as to drones and aircraft operating in lower airspace. Meanwhile, Sophia Space is developing space-based computers with passive cooling - a solution that could address one of the key challenges of scaling orbital data centers: preventing high-performance processors from overheating without relying on heavy and costly active cooling systems.