First Orbital Data Center Nodes Reach Space
Image: Primary Axiom Space deployed two orbital data center nodes to low Earth orbit on January 11, 2026. The nodes, designated ODC Nodes 1 and 2, form the first operational foundation for space based cloud computing as part of Kepler Communications optical relay network.
The nodes enable 2.5 Gbps data links between spacecraft without routing through ground stations. They provide Earth independent processing capabilities for satellites, constellations and spacecraft.
The nodes feature optical intersatellite links that meet Space Development Agency Tranche 1 interoperability standards. Satellites can send data to the nodes for processing, filtering, feature detection, compression or AI inference rather than transmitting raw data to Earth.
The nodes buffer data if ground connectivity drops. They make autonomous decisions and trigger alerts independently.
Axiom Space validated the approach with a Data Center Unit 1 prototype aboard the International Space Station in fall 2025. The company plans to purchase additional payloads on the Kepler constellation to increase capacity.
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Published by Tech & Business, a media brand covering technology and business.
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