ESPI Warns Europe Risks Orbital Computing Dependence as China Advances 2,800-Satellite Network
Updated
Updated · app.dealroom.co · Aug 8
ESPI Warns Europe Risks Orbital Computing Dependence as China Advances 2,800-Satellite Network
1 articles · Updated · app.dealroom.co · Aug 8
Summary
A 5 August ESPI report said Europe could become dependent on foreign orbital computing infrastructure because it has studied the field but not commercialized it.
The warning centers on Europe’s stalled follow-through after the 2023 ASCEND feasibility study, which outlined orbital data centers starting at 10 MW and scaling to 1 GW by 2050.
China has moved faster: ADAspace launched the first 12 satellites of a planned 2,800-satellite AI computing constellation in May 2025, with in-orbit tests showing core capabilities by February 2026.
The US is also pulling ahead, with Starcloud and Cowboy Space both valued above $1 billion; Starcloud raised $170 million in March and says Europe lacks risk capital and ambition.
ESPI urged the EU to treat orbital data centers as a sovereignty issue, backing a flagship program in the 2028–2034 research cycle plus ESA/EU early-customer contracts.