Rendezvous Robotics, which develops autonomous in-space assembly systems, and Starcloud, known for its Starcloud-1 satellite platform for space-based data centers, have announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore the integration of their technologies. The companies report that this collaboration aims to enable gigawatt-scale data centers and power systems in Earth’s orbit.
According to the announcement, the partnership will focus on combining Rendezvous Robotics’ modular self-assembling solar arrays and thermal radiator technologies with Starcloud’s orbital power generation and thermal management platforms. The companies plan to conduct joint assessments and consider future orbital demonstrations to validate the integration of their systems.
The MOU outlines a joint technical exploration of next-generation in-space architectures, specifically supporting high-performance computing, communications, and energy applications. This includes assessments of how autonomous in-space construction can address the mass, cooling, and scalability limits encountered in both terrestrial and satellite-based systems. The companies aim to demonstrate a platform that supports continuous, high-efficiency computing and energy generation in orbit.
Phil Frank, CEO of Rendezvous Robotics, said, “Every industrial era is defined by its infrastructure — and the next one will be built in orbit,” adding, “As global demand for data and energy accelerates, we’re approaching the limits of what can be built on Earth. By combining Rendezvous’ autonomous assembly systems with Starcloud’s orbital platforms, we can deliver datacenter-scale capability by assembling it in space.”
Philip Johnston, CEO of Starcloud, said, “Starcloud’s mission is to move cloud computing closer to where data is generated,” and, “Partnering with Rendezvous gives us the ability to scale our orbital power and cooling systems to meet the growing demand for space-based datacenters and AI workloads. Together, we’re laying the groundwork for a new class of orbital infrastructure.”
Starcloud reports plans to launch its first demonstrator satellite in late 2025, followed by a full micro data center mission in 2026.
Source: Rendezvous Robotics
