Space Data Startup Starcloud Secures $250 Million Funding
The orbital computing firm aims to launch an infrastructure of 88,000 satellites to power global data operations.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Data Centers
Live Poll
Is using outer space for AI computing a viable long-term solution for our energy needs?
U.S. startup Starcloud has raised $250 million in a new funding round led by Manhattan West Ventures, bringing its total cumulative funding to $450 million. The company, which develops specialized satellites for data storage, is currently valued at $2.3 billion.
Why it matters
Starcloud intends to bypass the terrestrial constraints of traditional data centers by utilizing solar energy and outer space for heat dissipation. This shift addresses major infrastructure challenges like power grid capacity, land acquisition, and water consumption for cooling.
Starcloud plans to deploy 88,000 satellites providing 20GW of total capacity. The company's current technology includes satellites equipped with radiation shielding and thermal control systems, following the launch of its 60kg Starcloud-1 unit.
The players
Starcloud
A U.S.-based startup building orbital computing infrastructure via a constellation of small satellites.
Manhattan West Ventures
The investment firm that led the recent $250 million funding round for Starcloud.
Dunamu and Partners
A South Korean firm and the sole Korean investor participating in the latest funding round.
NVIDIA
A multinational technology company that participated as an investor in the $250 million round.
U.S. Federal Communications Commission
The agency responsible for regulating interstate and international communications and reviewing Starcloud's operational applications.
The details
Founded by former engineers from SpaceX Starlink and Airbus, the company is using this capital to establish a production line for its Starcloud-3 satellite model. The venture has already applied to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission for the necessary operational approvals.
Timeline
Starcloud was founded in 2024.
The 60kg Starcloud-1 satellite launched in November 2025.
Dunamu and Partners announced its investment on October 26, 2026.
The Tech Race
Starcloud is attempting to leapfrog the limits of land-based data centers by building an orbital computing infrastructure. It marks a departure from traditional terrestrial server farms, mirroring the rapid expansion seen in the SpaceX Starlink satellite constellation.
The transition to orbital computing could eventually enable faster, more energy-efficient data processing for global users. However, immediate impacts remain limited as the company is still in the early stages of building out its satellite production and operational capacity.
The takeaway
Starcloud represents a novel approach to scaling computing power by utilizing low Earth orbit as a platform for global server operations. The successful $250 million funding round suggests growing institutional interest in space-based solutions for terrestrial data demands.
Further reading
Find more analysis on infrastructure trends in our Data Centers section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 머니투데이.
Live Poll
Is using outer space for AI computing a viable long-term solution for our energy needs?
