Interest and activity around orbital data centers (ODCs) – satellite constellations of varying size and design intended to harness solar power in space to meet the anticipated demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and other compute-intensive applications – has moved rapidly from the margins to a key trend in space development. Since January 2026, a number of US-based prospective ODC operators have filed for regulatory approval with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to develop and deploy their systems . These include SpaceX’s plan for a 1 million-satellite ODC constellation (the first actual mega-constellation); StarCloud’s plan for an 88,000-satellite ODC constellation, Blue Origin’s plan for an ODC constellation of up to 51,600 satellites, and Cowboy Space’s plan for a 20,000-satellite constellation. 

These systems, along with other planned ODCs in various other countries, would, if fully deployed, multiply the current total of operating satellites several times over. This is not merely an incremental expansion of existing LEO operations; rather, it raises novel technical, environmental, and governance considerations. ODCs are at the nexus of space activity and the broader AI sector. While many discussions around ODCs focus on technology and market aspects, this event will look at space safety and sustainability dimensions. The promise of ODCs lies primarily in the AI and compute sectors. But deploying them at at scale without adequate frameworks and safeguards in place could threaten the stability of the orbital environment required for them to function. This panel, followed by a networking lunch, will explore the space safety, sustainability, and policy coordination questions raised by ODCs. The central question is: as this potentially transformative space activity develops, how can space policy and safety measures help maintain a stable orbital environment while continuing to foster innovation?

Speakers include:

Ronald Birk

Principal Director, Space Enterprise Evolution Directorate, The Aerospace Corporation

Ronald Birk has more than four decades of experience in aerospace systems, program management, strategic planning, and business development. His work has included senior roles with NASA, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and other aerospace organizations, with a focus on advancing space systems in the national interest.

Matias Cava

National Space Policy Lead, Policy, Advocacy, and International Division, Office of Space Commerce, U.S. Department of Commerce

Matias Cava focuses on domestic space policy, including U.S. regulatory reform and mission authorization for novel space activities. He previously worked at the FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation on launch and re-entry licensing and regulation.

Virtual Speaker

Ezra Feilden

Co-founder and CTO, Starcloud

Ezra Feilden leads Starcloud’s roadmap and development of space-based data centers and high-power computing spacecraft. His work focuses on spacecraft and constellation architecture, thermal management, large-scale power systems, and regulatory matters for AI infrastructure in orbit.

Jeff O'Neil

Director of Government Affairs, Planet Labs

Jeff O’Neil works with Congress and civilian federal agencies on ways to expand the use of remote sensing data. Before joining Planet Labs, he spent 13 years on the staff of Congressman Ed Perlmutter, including as Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy.

Alex Shi

Senior Program Analyst, Secure World Foundation

Alex Shi is a Senior Program Analyst with experience in public policy, engineering, and complex systems. A former Singapore Government policy officer, she holds a Ph.D. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Purdue University, where her research focused on space sustainability and orbital risk.

Moderator

Registration is now full, though if seats open up, we will post about it here and on our social media channels. A recording of the event will be posted after the event.

Please note: This event will not be livestreamed. SWF plans to make a recording available shortly after the event.

For more information, please contact Krystal Azelton or Ian Christensen.