Texas Space Commission Funds Axiom's Orbital Data Center
The Texas Space Commission (TSC) recently granted $5.5 million through its Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund (SEARF) to Axiom Space for the development and operationalization of initial capabilities of Axiom Space Orbital Data Center (ODC). This initiative is aimed at creating a scalable orbital computing architecture for national security, civil, and commercial use.
Axiom's ODC will deploy two free-flying nodes in low-Earth orbit by year's end, with additional nodes of increased compute capacity to follow, enhancing real-time processing and AI autonomy. The SEARF award will accelerate the deployment of Axiom’s ODC’s multitude of free-flyer nodes to meet rapidly emerging demand from global users. The recent award marks another milestone towards establishing a fully operational orbital cloud computing network supporting national security, commercial, and civil customers.
“Axiom Space is actively evaluating how our ODC architecture can enhance critical U.S. capabilities, including the proposed Golden Dome missile defense architecture,” said Jason Aspiotis, Global Director of In-Space Data and Security at Axiom Space. “In this context, real-time, around-the-clock availability, secure orbital processing, and AI-driven autonomy are vital for ensuring mission success.”
The SEARF-funded initiative will involve Axiom Space working with Texas companies, research institutes, and universities to promote Texas-based innovation and use in areas such as AI/ML, cyber and quantum security, advanced communications, and defense applications. ODC nodes will facilitate on-orbit data processing, threat detection, AI-driven decision making, and cyber security for space assets.
"Axiom Space is defining digital infrastructure's next frontier in Texas," said Tejpaul Bhatia, CEO of Axiom Space. The grant not only bolsters high-skill job creation and Texas' leadership in orbital infrastructure, but also highlights TSC’s commitment to space innovation and the U.S.' preparedness for a data-driven space domain.