PowerBank & Orbit AI to Launch Satellite Data Cloud in 2026

Plans are in motion to move data centres into low Earth orbit, with PowerBank and Orbit AI announcing the development of what they call the "Orbital Cloud" – a solar-powered satellite network designed to run AI, data processing and blockchain verification independently of Earth-based infrastructure.

The initiative is led by Smartlink AI, the company behind Orbit AI, and is backed by PowerBank Corporation. 

The first satellite, DeStarlink Genesis-1, is scheduled to launch in December 2025. The satellite will carry a blockchain node, Ethereum wallet and onboard AI capabilities, marking the start of a multi-satellite deployment that aims to deliver a full commercial service by 2028.

Building a digital layer in orbit

Orbit AI develops the orbital cloud infrastructure and combines three systems into one space-based network. 

These include DeStarlink, a decentralised communication network in low Earth orbit; DeStarAI, a system of orbiting data centres for AI workloads; and blockchain-based verification nodes. 

All three run on solar energy and are cooled naturally by the space environment, removing the need for traditional cooling systems used in terrestrial data centres.

Dr Richard Lu, CEO of PowerBank, says: “The next frontier of human innovation isn’t just in space exploration, it’s in building the infrastructure of tomorrow above the Earth.

“The combined markets for orbital satellites, in-orbit data centres, blockchain verification and solar-powered digital infrastructure are projected to exceed US$700bn over the next decade. 

“By integrating solar energy with orbital computing, PowerBank is helping create a globally sovereign, AI-enabled digital layer in space, which is a system that can help power finance, communications and critical infrastructure.”

Combining energy, compute and verification in space

Orbit AI aims to run data workloads and verification entirely in space. DeStarlink builds the decentralised communications network, while DeStarAI manages AI tasks in orbit. 

The use of solar arrays ensures continuous energy, and the cold vacuum of space naturally supports thermal management.

Gus Liu, Co-Founder and Chief Executive of Smartlink AI, says: "Orbit AI is creating the first truly intelligent layer in orbit – satellites that compute, verify and optimise themselves autonomously."

He adds: "The Orbital Cloud turns space into a platform for AI, blockchain and global connectivity. 

“By leveraging solar-powered compute payloads and decentralised verification nodes, we are opening an entirely new potentially US$700+bn dollar market opportunity – one that combines energy, data and sovereignty to reshape industries from finance to government and Web3."

PowerBank supports the shift with its focus on solar-powered systems, aligning with its strategy to expand into digital asset infrastructure.

Scaling up through satellite constellations

Following Genesis-1, the roadmap outlines a plan to launch five to eight additional satellites during 2026. 

A wider constellation is expected to be deployed by 2027, with commercial service availability following shortly after. 

Full orbital governance and expansion of autonomous operations are scheduled between 2028 and 2030.

The infrastructure avoids the limits of terrestrial networks, including data latency, local power supply issues and geopolitical disruption. 

It benefits from continuous solar exposure and isolation from Earth’s network boundaries.

The project receives support from outside the companies directly involved.

Speaking at Italian Tech Week in Turin, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos offers his perspective on the long-term potential for data centres in orbit: "We will be able to beat the cost of terrestrial data centres in space in the next couple of decades. 

“These giant training clusters will be better built in space, because we have solar power there, 24/7 – no clouds, no rain, no weather. It has already happened with weather and communication satellites. The next step is going to be data centres and then other kinds of manufacturing."

The Orbital Cloud aligns with that view, offering continuous compute, blockchain processing and communications, all outside the Earth’s atmosphere.

Market potential and financial plans

The space data infrastructure taps into several overlapping markets. Forecasts show the global satellite industry could reach US$615bn by 2032. 

In-orbit data centres are estimated to rise from US$1.77bn in 2029 to US$39.1bn by 2035. 

Satellite data services alone may grow from US$12.16bn in 2024 to US$55.24bn by 2034. 

These segments together suggest a total market of more than US$700bn in the next decade.

To support its role in the market, PowerBank plans an initial investment of US$50,000 in Orbit AI, with an option to increase its stake up to US$10m for 20% equity, subject to final terms and approval by Orbit AI. 

The investment will support development ahead of the Genesis-1 launch and long-term growth of the orbital cloud network.