AI INFRASTRUCTURE
“ Together, we are building not just a data centre in space, but a new category of cloud computing”
Philip Johnston, CEO, Starcloud
The obstacles facing orbital AI infrastructure It all sounds optimistic, but the challenges are already being realised – and they will be challenges not faced before. Maintenance is the most obvious problem. When something breaks on Earth, you send an engineer round to fix it. In space? Not so simple.
Upgrading hardware means launching components on rockets, where costs remain substantial despite efforts by SpaceX and Blue Origin – which Jeff also founded – to bring prices down through reusable technology.
Additionally, failed launches remain a genuine risk that could destroy expensive equipment in seconds.
The companies have indicated plans to develop larger orbital data centres over time, scaling capacity as demand for AI computing increases.
This could eventually create a distributed space-based cloud network, though the timeline and capital requirements for such expansion remain unclear. Still, the partnership’ s long-term vision reflects a broader industry trend
84 February 2026