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Switzerland / Poland · Space data-centre architecture study

ESA / IBM Space-based Data Centres study

This project focuses on studying the architecture of data centers in space.


ESA lists study 21-P-M-TEC-05, contract 4000139754, as closed. IBM Research GmbH led architecture and use-case analysis with KP Labs as subcontractor. The work simulated shared space-data-centre architectures rather than delivering a satellite.

ESA / IBM Research GmbH · Completed 2022–2024 study

Scope: Shared computing & storage · A shared computing or storage platform, or a program developing that infrastructure. Classification describes intended use, not operating capacity.

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Technical specifications not disclosed

Figures retain their disclosed units and scope. Launched hardware does not establish demonstrated performance; targets may change. Not disclosed means no figure in the reviewed sources.

PROJECT RELATIONSHIPS

Suppliers & project partners

IBM Research GmbH

Supplier

Buyer: European Space Agency (ESA)

Contract awarded
Research & feasibility studies

Prime contractor for completed 2022–2024 space-data-centre architecture study, contract 4000139754.

Historical research procurement, not a satellite construction contract. Exact signing day and value undisclosed.

Announced Publication date not supplied · Evidence checked 8 Oct 2026

ESA space-based data centres study (opens in a new tab)

KP Labs

Supplier

Program organization: IBM Research GmbH

Supplier selected
Research & feasibility studies

KP Labs is the disclosed subcontractor for ESA study 4000139754.

Subcontractor role is explicit. Separate subcontract signing date and value not disclosed.

Announced Publication date not supplied · Evidence checked 8 Oct 2026

ESA disclosed study subcontractor (opens in a new tab)
NEXT MILESTONE

Closed study. Check only for an explicitly linked follow-on award or publicly released simulator.

Manual review 31 Oct 2026. Compared ESA's completed activity record and explanatory article. Added simulation method and distinct satellite-relay and GEO-ground scenarios. No operating mission is established. The executive-summary download timed out, leaving numerical budgets unchecked. Last full profile review 15 Oct 2026. Primary body last observed 21 Oct, 11:38 UTC. Source monitoring: partial. Source collection and substantive profile review are separate checks. Plans and dates may change.

ESA completed-study record (opens in a new tab)
WHAT REMAINS UNKNOWN
  • No spacecraft deployment, procurement value or follow-on mission established.

Project updates

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