Bitcoin Mining Heads to Space as Orbital Data Centres Rise

The idea of running large-scale computing systems in orbit is moving from science fiction toward early experimentation. 

A New Frontier for Cryptocurrency Infrastructure

A startup developing orbital computing infrastructure proposes to mine Bitcoin (BTC) in space, marking one of the most unusual attempts yet to combine space technology, data centres, and cryptocurrency. The initiative centres on deploying application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) mining hardware aboard the company’s second satellite mission, currently scheduled for launch later in 2026. 

Founded in 2024, Starcloud is building computing infrastructure designed to operate in orbit as a solution to address rising energy needs for AI. The company says the mission could become one of the first attempts to mine BTC in orbit

The company says its earlier satellite mission tested GPU-based computing hardware derived from Nvidia’s H100 architecture. The proposed BTC mining payload would use ASIC chips optimised for a single task of performing cryptographic calculations to validate transactions. 

These chips are significantly cheaper per unit of energy consumption compared with GPUs, making them a potential fit for early orbital computing experiments. ASIC miners are significantly cheaper and more energy-efficient for BTC’s hashing algorithm.

Why Companies Are Exploring Space-Based Computing

Interest in orbital data centres has been increasing as global demand for computing power rises rapidly due to artificial intelligence, cloud services, and digital infrastructure. Proponents of orbital computing argue that moving certain energy-intensive digital workloads off Earth could solve several constraints facing data centres today.

One of the biggest drivers is power demand. Bitcoin mining alone consumes an estimated 20 gigawatts of electricity continuously worldwide. Satellites in certain orbits can receive near-continuous solar exposure in certain orbital paths, allowing them to generate power without relying on terrestrial electricity grids.

Another factor is cooling. In space, heat must be removed through large radiators that emit thermal energy as infrared radiation into space rather than through large mechanical cooling systems typical of terrestrial facilities. Orbital data centre technologies are increasingly being discussed as part of longer-term plans to support artificial intelligence infrastructure and global connectivity.

Data Points Behind the Orbital Computing Push

While the concept remains experimental, several data points highlight why investors and startups are exploring the idea.

• • 20 gigawatts: Approximate continuous power consumption attributed to global Bitcoin mining operations.
  • 30× cost difference: ASIC miners are significantly more cost- and energy-efficient for Bitcoin’s hashing workload than GPUs.
  • Many satellites proposed: Starcloud has submitted regulatory filings seeking approval for a large constellation intended to function as orbital data centres.
  • First high-performance orbital GPU: The company’s initial satellite carried an Nvidia H100 chip, one of the most powerful processors ever operated in space.
  • Industry projections: According to projections cited by space-technology research firms, the in-orbit data centre sector could reach roughly $1.77 billion by 2029 and potentially grow to more than $39 billion by 2035.

However, orbital computing still faces significant engineering and economic hurdles, including launch costs, radiation protection, satellite maintenance, and high-bandwidth data transmission back to Earth.

Starcloud’s announcement reflects a broader trend toward experimentation with off-planet computing infrastructure. The concept of orbital data centres is increasingly being discussed as part of longer-term plans.

The planned Bitcoin mining mission represents an early test case, and for now, the concept remains experimental. But the move signals that the next phase of digital infrastructure is an early experiment exploring whether computing infrastructure can operate economically in orbit.