Starcloud, a startup based in Redmond, Washington, is making strides in the space-based AI sector, potentially tapping into a lucrative market. Founded in 2024 by CEO Philip Johnston, CTO Ezra Feilden, and chief engineer Adi Oltean, the company is positioned to revolutionize the way data is processed in space.
The firm operates by providing a solar-powered satellite, known as the Starcloud-1, which includes essential hardware for cooling and communication. This model allows Starcloud to partner with companies like Denver's Crusoe Cloud, which will handle the data processing chips within the satellite. Johnston emphasized the financial benefits of this setup, stating that the most significant expense lies in the chips, not the satellite itself.
If successful, this venture could lead to substantial revenue. Johnston outlined a contract for delivering 10 gigawatts of power over five years starting in 2032, priced at 3 cents per kilowatt-hour, amounting to an anticipated $13.1 billion in energy sales.