Abu Dhabi-based Madari Space has unveiled plans to launch the first pilot of a space-based data center in Q3 2026, marking a bold move toward reshaping how data is stored and processed.
The orbital data center will be deployed in low-Earth orbit (LEO) and is designed to serve organizations that generate large volumes of data in space, including earth observation operators. The aim is to reduce the energy consumption and carbon footprint associated with traditional terrestrial data centers, which are becoming increasingly unsustainable amid growing demand from AI and digital services.
Madari Space is working closely with the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs to ensure international collaboration and regulatory compliance. According to CEO Shareef Al Romaithi, the project offers a secure, scalable alternative to land-based infrastructure, enabling faster data processing closer to its source in orbit.
The company views this pilot as a stepping stone toward more advanced cislunar and deep-space data solutions, aligning with the UAE’s broader vision to lead in space innovation and digital sustainability.
