Last Update: 08/01/2026 at 11:01 AM EST

Sophia Space, Caltech Patent Orbital Data Centers

Coverage from SpaceNews, Caltech Alumni, and others

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The Story

Sophia Space, Caltech Patent Orbital Data Centers image

Sophia Space and the California Institute of Technology have received a U.S. patent for a modular architecture intended to support large-scale data centers in orbit. The Thermal Integrated LEO Edge, or TILE, design combines solar-powered computing and storage modules with radiator-based heat rejection and fiber-optic links for expansion. Sophia Space plans an on-orbit demonstration in 2027 while continuing Caltech-supported work on deployable structures and thermal management.

First Article: 07/31/26

Latest Article: 07/31/26

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Patent Details Caltech-Sophia Orbital Data Center Design

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