AI infrastructure provider Crusoe has announced a partnership with Starcloud to establish the world's first public cloud platform operating from Earth's orbit. The initiative aims to deploy Crusoe Cloud services on a Starcloud satellite scheduled for launch in late 2026, with orbital computing capacity expected to be operational by early 2027.
This collaboration marks a significant step in moving high-performance computing beyond terrestrial limitations. By leveraging solar power in space, the project seeks to address the growing energy demands of artificial intelligence while reducing reliance on Earth-based resources and infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
- Crusoe is partnering with Starcloud to deploy the first public cloud service in space.
- A satellite equipped with Crusoe Cloud GPUs is set to launch in late 2026, becoming operational in early 2027.
- The orbital data center will be powered exclusively by solar energy, aiming to provide a sustainable solution for AI computing.
- The project intends to overcome terrestrial constraints like land use, grid dependency, and conventional cooling.
A New Frontier for AI and Cloud Computing
The partnership combines Crusoe's expertise in energy-efficient data center architecture with Starcloud’s orbital computing platform. Crusoe has built its business by co-locating data centers with stranded or renewable energy sources on Earth, such as flared natural gas, to minimize emissions. This new venture extends that philosophy into space.
By operating in orbit, the data center will harness a constant and abundant source of solar energy. This approach is designed to provide the stable, high-density power required for complex AI workloads, including both model training and inference, without being connected to a terrestrial power grid.
“At Crusoe, we believe that space will ultimately matter to the future of computing because it enables new solutions to a key scaling constraint for AI infrastructure, which is sourcing abundant, consistent and clean energy,” said Cully Cavness, Co-Founder, President, and COO of Crusoe.
The initiative represents a fundamental shift in how and where digital infrastructure can be deployed. It moves beyond the geographical and logistical challenges that currently constrain the expansion of large-scale data centers on the ground.
The Technology Behind an Orbital Data Center
Starcloud's platform is an integrated system designed specifically for the harsh environment of space. Each satellite functions as a self-contained data center, complete with its own solar power generation, high-performance processors, and specialized cooling technology to manage heat in a vacuum.
Orbital Operations
The satellite platform is engineered to support demanding AI computations. By eliminating the need for physical land, grid connections, and traditional water-based cooling systems, it offers a scalable and environmentally contained solution for the rapidly growing AI industry.
The first satellite, launching in 2026, will feature a dedicated module for Crusoe Cloud. This will allow customers to access and run their AI applications directly on GPUs located in orbit. This model could set a new precedent for cloud service delivery, offering a unique infrastructure option for research, discovery, and innovation.
“Having Crusoe as the foundational cloud provider on our platform is a perfect alignment of vision and execution,” stated Philip Johnston, CEO of Starcloud. “Crusoe's expertise in building rugged, efficient, and scalable computing solutions makes them the ideal partner to pioneer this new era.”
Addressing Earth's Energy Constraints
The explosive growth of artificial intelligence has created an unprecedented demand for computational power, which in turn requires vast amounts of electricity. Securing sufficient and sustainable energy has become one of the primary challenges for data center operators worldwide.
The AI Energy Challenge
Modern AI models, particularly large language models (LLMs), require immense energy for both training and operation. As these models increase in complexity, their power consumption is projected to strain existing energy grids and contribute to environmental concerns. Finding alternative, clean energy sources is critical for the sustainable growth of the AI sector.
Crusoe’s orbital project confronts this issue by tapping into solar power, the most consistent renewable energy source available. In space, solar arrays can generate electricity continuously without interruptions from weather or nighttime, providing a reliable power supply for 24/7 computing operations.
This strategy aligns with Crusoe’s established mission. On Earth, the company gained recognition for its innovative approach of using otherwise wasted flared natural gas to power modular data centers, thereby reducing methane emissions. The move to space is presented as the next logical step in its pursuit of energy-optimized computing.
The Long-Term Vision for Space-Based Cloud
The 2026 launch is planned as the first step in a broader strategy. Crusoe and Starcloud envision a future with multiple satellites forming a distributed, space-based cloud network. This network of decentralized compute nodes could offer enhanced resiliency and accessibility for global users.
This long-term roadmap reflects a growing industry trend toward distributed and off-grid computing models. As challenges like land scarcity, water usage for cooling, and energy costs intensify on the ground, alternative infrastructure solutions are becoming more attractive.
Key goals of the orbital cloud network include:
- Scalability: Adding capacity by launching new satellite nodes rather than constructing large terrestrial facilities.
- Sustainability: Relying entirely on renewable solar energy captured in orbit.
- Innovation: Creating a new category of cloud computing that could unlock new possibilities for scientific research and commercial applications.
If successful, this venture could redefine the physical footprint of the internet and the AI industry. By moving a portion of the world's computational infrastructure off-planet, Crusoe and Starcloud aim to pioneer a more sustainable path for the future of digital technology.