Atlanta Startup Unveils 'Data Centers in Space' Marketplace as AI Demand Surges

Atomic-6's new ODC.space platform aims to make it easier to deploy computing power in orbit.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:08pm

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a modular, interconnected orbital data center platform in space, with various computing modules and thermal management systems illuminated by neon cyan and magenta lights, conceptually representing the technological innovation of moving data centers into orbit.As demand for AI and computing power surges, a new 'data centers in space' marketplace aims to make it easier to deploy high-performance infrastructure in orbit.Atlanta Today

Atlanta-based space systems manufacturer Atomic-6 has launched ODC.space, a new marketplace where AI developers, software providers, and government agencies can secure orbital data center (ODC) capacity on-demand. The company says this addresses key challenges around power and thermal management for data centers in space, allowing customers to quickly spec, price, and order data center capacity without having to design and build their own satellite programs.

Why it matters

As demand for AI and computing power continues to grow, moving data centers into orbit could free up valuable land and resources on Earth while providing access to unlimited solar power. Atomic-6's new marketplace aims to make it easier and faster for organizations to deploy computing infrastructure in space, which could have significant implications for industries like Earth observation, imaging, and defense.

The details

Atomic-6's ODC.space marketplace enables customers to immediately spec, price, and order data center capacity on orbital platforms, rather than having to design, build, and operate their own satellite programs. The company says this can deliver sovereign (organization-owned) or colocated (rented) capacity onboard orbital data centers in 2-3 years, compared to 5+ years for terrestrial data center timelines. Early customers include companies focused on Earth observation and imaging, as well as military use cases. Atomic-6 has been working on deployable power for space applications for several years and recently announced a partnership to power data centers in lunar orbit.

  • Atomic-6 officially became a 'real space company' in late March after launching its first product into space on board SpaceX's Transporter 16.
  • Atomic-6 has at least two more launches planned for later this year.

The players

Atomic-6

A Metro Atlanta-based space systems manufacturer that designs and manufactures its technologies locally in Georgia. The company has been working on deployable power for space applications for several years and recently launched its first product into space.

Trevor Smith

The founder and CEO of Atomic-6, who spoke to Hypepotamus about the company's new ODC.space marketplace and the challenges around power and thermal management for data centers in space.

Col. Chris Hadfield

An astronaut and member of Atomic-6's Board of Advisors, who commented on how space systems operate under a different regulatory regime with more predictable licensing pathways and fewer public-facing constraints compared to terrestrial data centers.

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What they’re saying

“When the topic of data centers comes up, whether terrestrial or space or space, the first two things that everyone talks about is power and thermal management.”

— Trevor Smith, Founder and CEO, Atomic-6

“On the ground, AI infrastructure is increasingly gated by 'big iron' bottlenecks: transformers, turbines, transmission upgrades, and permitting. Space systems operate under a different regulatory regime, with more predictable licensing pathways and fewer public-facing constraints.”

— Col. Chris Hadfield, Astronaut, Atomic-6 Board of Advisors

What’s next

Atomic-6 has at least two more launches planned for later this year, as the company continues to expand its space-based technologies and capabilities.

The takeaway

By making it easier and faster to deploy computing power in orbit, Atomic-6's ODC.space marketplace could help unlock new opportunities for AI, Earth observation, and other data-intensive applications that require access to scalable, high-performance computing resources. This represents a significant step forward in the growing trend of moving data centers into space.