The next great leap in data processing and computing could come in space, and it could come sooner than expected. PowerBank Corporation and Orbit AI announced their ambitious Orbital Cloud initiative, which aims to use solar-panel satellites in orbit that could process AI computations and communications in orbit. This isn’t science fiction either, and the first satellite launch could come in December 2025.
Space computing has the potential to offer much greater efficiency
The Orbital Cloud signals the beginning of a paradigm shift in data processing infrastructure. The satellites orbiting the earth are solar-powered, and they always have access to sunlight, eliminating the need for cooling, which was a major cost factor in the earth-bound data centers. The ability offered by the combination of space-cooling and the ubiquitous solar power environment could potentially rival earth-bound data centers on economic viability.
Jeff Bezos illustrated this capability during the Italian Tech Week, when he said, “Within the next couple of decades, we’ll be able to provide the same service, the same computing power, at a lower cost than in data centers on Earth. These massive training sets, these big training clusters, would be better in space because we have the sun, and we have power 24/7, no weather, no rain.” This is in keeping with the plans and strategies of PowerBank and Orbit AI.
DeStarlink Genesis-1 satellite set to launch in December with Blockchain functionality
The first satellite in the constellation will operate an Ethereum wallet and node on the blockchain, in addition to AI inference, showing the ability to perform multiple computations in space. The satellite launch in December means much more than a technological proof-of-concept—it heralds the dawn of a new computing era that ignores the limitations imposed on Earth.
Market opportunity estimated at over $700 billion in the next decade
The financial outlook in this space endeavor appears quite lucrative, underlining the synergy of different markets. The outlook reveals that the orbital infrastructure industry would increase from $13.5 billion in 2024 to $21.3 billion in 2029. The satellite industry would reach $615 billion by 2032. The in-orbit data center industry would soar from $1.77 billion in 2029 to $39.1 billion in 2035.
“The aggregate markets for orbiting satellites, in-orbit data centers, the use of blockchain and solar-based digital infrastructure could exceed $700 billion over the next decade,” said Dr. Richard Lu, the PowerBank CEO. “PowerBank’s role in the development of a worldwide sovereign, AI-driven digital layer in space through the integration of solar power and orbiting computing can change the world positively.”
Power Bank initially invests $50,000, with the possibility of expansion
The first financial investment by PowerBank is quite nominal and intended for scaling. The proposed first investment in Orbit AI stands at $50,000, and the option to increase the stake up to $10 million in exchange for 20% equity, subject to terms and conditions and approval by Orbit AI. The collaboration takes advantage of PowerBank’s knowledge in solar energy systems and thermal management, which play an essential role in the functionality of satellites in the space environment.
“Orbit AI is developing the first intelligence layer in orbit, satellites that process, check, and optimize themselves. PowerBank’s knowledge in advanced solar energy systems would be an important factor in the development of this process,” said Co-Founder and CEO of Smartlink AI, Gus Liu.
The Orbital Cloud represents the next step in the evolution of the technology infrastructure and goes beyond the limitations on Earth and taking advantage of the different opportunities available in space. With the satellite set to be launched in December, the viability of the concept and whether it measures up to the hype it has created and promised needs to be proven. The different components seem to offer the opportunity to change the world.
