Hungarian IT and telecommunications company 4iG Space and Defence (4iG SDT) is evaluating a potential $100 million equity investment into U.S.-based Axiom Space. The proposed investment aims to make 4iG SDT a strategic partner in the commercial space infrastructure developer.
In addition to the equity stake, the two companies have outlined a plan to collaborate on a separate $100 million project to develop an Orbital Data Center (ODC), a venture that would establish data processing and storage capabilities in low-Earth orbit.
Key Takeaways
- Hungarian firm 4iG SDT is considering a $100 million equity investment in U.S. company Axiom Space.
- A separate $100 million collaboration is planned for the development of an Orbital Data Center (ODC).
- The partnership could make 4iG SDT the first European collaborator on Axiom's ODC program.
- The agreement builds on previous cooperation between the two companies in satellite technology and orbital data services.
A Strategic Partnership in Orbit
The agreement, announced on October 3, 2025, outlines a significant potential investment from 4iG SDT into Axiom Space. The Hungarian company is currently assessing the acquisition of a stake in the American space firm through a $100 million equity investment. This move would position 4iG SDT as a key strategic investor in one of the leading companies in the commercial space station sector.
Beyond the direct investment, the collaboration extends to a joint project focused on creating an Orbital Data Center. This ambitious $100 million initiative aims to develop data network, storage, and processing infrastructure in low-Earth orbit. Such a facility would cater to the growing demand for secure and high-speed data handling in space.
What is an Orbital Data Center?
An Orbital Data Center (ODC) is a facility in space designed for data storage and processing. By placing data centers in orbit, companies can potentially reduce latency for satellite-to-satellite communications, offer highly secure data storage isolated from terrestrial threats, and support data-intensive research and activities conducted in space.
The Companies Behind the Agreement
Axiom Space is a prominent U.S. company focused on building the world's first commercial space station, Axiom Station. The company is already active in the space sector, conducting privately crewed missions to the International Space Station (ISS). Its work also involves providing solutions for research in microgravity environments.
4iG Space and Defence is the space and technology division of the Hungarian IT and telecoms conglomerate 4iG. The company has been expanding its presence in the satellite and space industry. In 2021, 4iG made headlines when it announced the acquisition of a majority stake in the Israeli satellite operator Spacecom, signaling its strategic ambitions in the global space economy.
Building on Previous Cooperation
This potential investment is not the first interaction between the two firms. According to the announcement, the strategic collaboration is built upon a foundation of prior work. Over the past year, 4iG SDT and Axiom Space have signed two business cooperation agreements.
These earlier agreements were centered on research into two key areas:
- Low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technologies
- Orbital data center services
This history of collaboration suggests the new investment and ODC project are a natural progression of their established business relationship.
Geopolitical and Economic Implications
The proposed partnership carries significant weight for both U.S.-Hungarian relations and the Hungarian space industry. It represents a major step for a Hungarian company to become a strategic investor in a key American space enterprise.
In a prepared statement, István Sárhegyi, CEO of 4iG SDT, commented on the agreement's importance.
"The commitment established with Axiom Space marks a milestone in U.S.–Hungarian relations, creating a unique opportunity for a Hungarian company to become a strategic investor in a U.S. space enterprise, thereby strengthening economic and technological cooperation between the two countries."
Sárhegyi also noted the broader impact on Hungary's technological capabilities and future workforce.
"The agreement represents international recognition of Hungary’s space capabilities, could open new horizons in research and development, and lays the foundation for long-term engagement with global market players," he added. "Through the Orbital Data Center program, we can not only leverage the expertise of Hungarian professionals but also inspire the next generation in space exploration and STEM."
The deal underscores a growing trend of international investment and collaboration in the rapidly expanding commercial space sector, where private companies are taking the lead in developing orbital infrastructure.