TakeMe2Space and AICRAFT Launch First Orbital Data Center

A new partnership between TakeMe2Space and AICRAFT is set to launch the first orbital data center, fundamentally changing how we process information from space. The companies plan a hosted payload mission for 2026 to demonstrate AICRAFT’s high-performance computing modules in orbit. Over the next two years, the TM2S satellite constellation will integrate AICRAFT’s low-power edge devices, providing on-demand artificial intelligence and advanced computing capabilities directly in space.

This collaboration establishes the groundwork for TakeMe2Space’s ambitious plan to build a massive constellation functioning as a space-based data center. Their OrbitLab platform will let users develop, test, and commercialize satellite applications with simple, push-button ease. AICRAFT will supply both terrestrial and space-qualified hardware, including upcoming products, as part of this foundational infrastructure.

During the International Astronautical Congress 2025 in Sydney, AICRAFT introduced three significant new products. The Pulsar Development Kit serves as a development tool for their flagship edge device. Their SpaceWire-enabled Pulsar stands out as one of the few in-house SpaceWire communication protocol solutions available globally, fully compliant with ECSS standards. Additionally, the NEXON Edge AI Server is a portable, low-power 1U server specifically engineered for radar processing tasks.

The NEXON unit acts as the terrestrial counterpart to the Pulsar Pro, enabling synthetic aperture radar processing directly in orbit. Functioning as electronic ground support equipment, NEXON creates a bridge between space-based and terrestrial applications. This design allows the same data center environment to operate consistently across satellites, drones, underwater vehicles, and other platforms, with only the physical form factor requiring adaptation.

The TM2S satellite constellation will provide essential flight heritage for AICRAFT’s products while offering early customers access to orbital computing through the OrbitLab platform. By combining AICRAFT’s high-performance, low-power edge computing modules with TM2S’s constellation infrastructure, the partnership enables direct in-space processing of Earth Observation and Synthetic Aperture Radar data. Conventional methods require extensive downlinking and ground-based analysis of raw datasets. With OrbitLab, algorithms execute directly on orbit using hardware co-developed by both companies, significantly reducing bandwidth demands and ground support requirements while accelerating data-to-decision timelines and delivering near real-time insights.

Optimized specifically for SAR data processing, the NEXON and Pulsar Pro devices create a unified framework for deploying AI-driven analytics including change detection, object identification, and environmental monitoring. This capability unlocks advanced applications such as comprehensive maritime domain awareness. The architecture positions the TM2S-AICRAFT partnership at the cutting edge of orbital computing, effectively bridging terrestrial and space-based data centers to power the next generation of Earth Observation and SAR applications.

Dr. Tony Scoleri, CEO of AICRAFT, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are excited to work with TakeMe2Space to make on-orbit computing accessible to innovators worldwide. By extending edge AI capabilities into space, we’re enabling applications previously considered impossible—from real-time Earth observation analytics to autonomous operations in the most challenging environments.”

Ronak Samantray, CEO of TakeMe2Space, emphasized the transformative potential, noting, “Partnering with AICRAFT brings us closer to constructing the world’s first orbiting data center where anyone, anywhere can deploy applications to space with a simple click. Integrating AICRAFT’s compute modules into our constellation will enable real-time, on-orbit processing of Earth Observation and SAR data, dramatically shortening the time from data collection to decision-making. This collaboration advances a future where critical analytics—from environmental and climate monitoring to maritime domain awareness—can be delivered seamlessly and directly from orbit.”

Matt Opie, CEO of Defence SA, commented on the broader implications, saying, “AICRAFT continues to create new business opportunities through international engagement, and it’s fantastic to see this announcement during South Australia’s impressive showcase at the International Astronautical Conference. I congratulate the AICRAFT team for their proactive global approach, which highlights the success of South Australia’s thriving space manufacturing ecosystem in capturing worldwide attention.”

AICRAFT specializes in designing and manufacturing low-power smart computing systems with integrated artificial intelligence for space and aerospace applications. Their innovative products enable real-time big data processing at the edge, facilitating timely decision-making and extended operational uptime. The company focuses on deploying, training, and executing efficient AI solutions directly on platforms, significantly reducing service delivery time while complementing existing ground infrastructure.

TakeMe2Space Technologies Private Limited focuses on building advanced orbital infrastructure through a constellation of AI-powered satellites that function as high-performance computing data centers in space. Their technology enables real-time, in-orbit data processing capabilities that represent a significant leap forward in space-based computing.

(Source: ITWire Australia)