4 minute read•Updated 6:23 PM EDT, Tue April 8, 2025
Axiom Space is taking a major step toward its vision of developing a scalable, space-based cloud computing ecosystem by launching two of its Orbital Data Center (ODC) nodes on upcoming Kepler Communications satellites. The collaboration marks a critical milestone in Axiom’s long-term strategy to build a robust in-space data processing and cybersecurity architecture that draws from its commercial space station expertise.
The ODC nodes will fly aboard Kepler’s upcoming optical data relay satellites, scheduled for launch to low Earth orbit (LEO) before the end of the year.
These satellites are part of Kepler’s growing network that facilitates real-time optical communication between spacecraft. The Axiom nodes will be fully interoperable with this network, as well as with other spacecraft equipped with optical terminals that adhere to Space Development Agency (SDA) standards.
A Leap in Real-Time Space Data Processing
The ODC nodes are designed to process satellite data directly in orbit, significantly reducing latency and enhancing capabilities for real-time analysis. Equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) models, these orbital processors will be able to conduct on-the-fly analysis of Earth observation, defense, and scientific datasets—ushering in a new era of edge computing in space.
Beyond performance, Axiom touts a novel cybersecurity feature: “Earth-independent endpoint detection and response.” This approach aims to isolate critical security functions from terrestrial infrastructure, enabling more secure operations in contested or communication-limited environments.
“These are the first fully functional nodes of a scalable orbital data center infrastructure,...They build on years of groundwork and partnerships with companies like Amazon Web Services and Red Hat.” - Jason Aspiotis, Axiom’s Global Director of In-Space Data and Security.
Building on Legacy and Partnerships
Axiom previously partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) in 2022 to fly an edge computing payload to the International Space Station (ISS), and this spring, it plans to launch a prototype data processing unit in collaboration with Red Hat. These precursor missions laid the foundation for Axiom’s broader ambitions to bring cloud capabilities off-Earth.
Axiom has not yet named specific customers for the initial ODC nodes.
“We have agreements and an array of customers in negotiations for both the first two nodes and future capacity,” - Jason Aspiotis, Axiom’s Global Director of In-Space Data and Security.
Potential users include Earth observation firms looking to accelerate image processing workflows, space domain awareness applications for government agencies, and even support for proposed missile defense initiatives like the Golden Dome system.
Space-Based Cloud Infrastructure
The partnership with Kepler represents only the first phase of Axiom’s roadmap. The company has the option to deploy additional ODC nodes on future Kepler satellites, but longer-term plans involve transitioning to much larger platforms—eventually hosted aboard Axiom’s upcoming commercial space station infrastructure.
“That’s where we start looking into space station class infrastructure...We’ll have a lot more real estate, a lot more power, a lot more thermal management to bring about large amounts of compute.” - Jason Aspiotis, Axiom’s Global Director of In-Space Data and Security.
While future orbital data centers won’t require life support systems or human-rated designs like Axiom’s crewed habitats, they will draw from a common set of modular technologies. This synergy between station architecture and autonomous computing nodes could dramatically scale the availability and functionality of space-based cloud services.
Unlocking New Use Cases Beyond the Space Sector
Axiom envisions a future where orbital cloud services serve not just the space industry but also terrestrial businesses in sectors such as finance, telecommunications, and logistics. Space-based computing, the company argues, can offer distinct advantages in security, redundancy, and access to global data flows.
“There’s lots of use cases where space-based cloud has benefits...And we’re just scratching the surface.” - Jason Aspiotis, Axiom’s Global Director of In-Space Data and Security.
With the first two ODC nodes slated to launch before year’s end, Axiom Space is positioning itself not only as a leader in orbital infrastructure but also as a pioneer in redefining how humanity processes data in the age of commercial spaceflight.
