Think Tank Warning
The European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) has warned that Europe may become increasingly reliant on foreign orbital computing infrastructure.
Developments in the United States and China
In the United States, private companies are accelerating the construction of space‑based data centers, while China’s government‑led programs are making comparable progress.
Implications for Europe
The widening gap in orbital processing capacity could undermine Europe’s autonomy in space‑based data processing and increase dependence on non‑European providers.
Outlook and Needed Action
Analysts suggest that Europe should strengthen its own initiatives to close the orbital compute gap and maintain competitiveness in the space sector.