Nvidia announces Vera Rubin Space-1 chip system for orbital AI data centers

by · CNBC

Key Points

  • Nvidia announced chips that will be used for space missions at the GTC 2026 AI conference.
  • Orbital data centers have been an increasingly popular proposition as AI demand tests Earth's energy constraints.
  • The chips will be used with satellites from multiple companies, including Axiom Space, Starcloud and Planet Labs.

In this article

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Nvidia announced the launch of computing platforms for orbital data centers on Monday during its GTC 2026 conference, a highly anticipated next step for artificial intelligence in space.

"Space computing, the final frontier, has arrived," said CEO Jensen Huang. "As we deploy satellite constellations and explore deeper into space, intelligence must live wherever data is generated."

In a press release, the company said that its Vera Rubin Space-1 Module, which includes the IGX Thor and Jetson Orin, will be used on space missions led by multiple companies. The chips are specifically "engineered for size-, weight- and power-constrained environments."

Partners include Axiom Space, Starcloud and Planet.

Huang said Nvidia is working with partners on a new computer for orbital data centers, but there are still engineering hurdles to overcome.

"In space, there's no convection, there's just radiation," Huang said during his GTC keynote, "and so we have to figure out how to cool these systems out in space, but we've got lots of great engineers working on it."

The data center buildout that powers AI demand has been blamed for soaring electricity costs. Sending orbital data centers into space has been viewed as one solution, but high costs and low availability of rocket launches remain a barrier.

Still, AI companies are racing to make use of space's virtually unlimited solar power. In November, Google announced its 'Project Suncatcher' initiative, exploring the concept of compute in space.

Elon Musk's xAI was acquired by SpaceX last month in a $1.25 trillion deal with an eye toward building out data centers in space. The company is one of Nvidia's largest customers.

SpaceX asked the Federal Communications Commission for approval to launch 1 million satellites for AI centers in January, a plan that has been opposed by scientists for environmental threats, including light pollution and orbital debris.

CNBC's Lora Kolodny contributed to this report.

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