Abu Dhabi-based startup Madari Space is preparing to launch its first mission to place a data centre in low-Earth orbit (LEO) by Q3 2026, marking a pioneering step in the intersection of space and digital infrastructure. The mission, developed in collaboration with the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre and the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs, will serve as a proof of concept to demonstrate the feasibility of storing and processing data in space.
Founder and CEO Al Romaithi emphasized the strategic advantages of operating from the UAE, where government backing and support from the national space agency will help accelerate commercial deployment. He also noted the environmental benefits, pointing out that terrestrial data centres are among the most carbon-intensive facilities worldwide, surpassing even aviation in emissions. The problem is compounded by rising demand from artificial intelligence infrastructure, making space-based alternatives an attractive sustainable solution.
By leveraging LEO, Madari Space aims to build sustainable and secure data management systems to meet the surging global demand for storage and processing, both on Earth and from space-based assets. The upcoming mission will allow the company to de-risk operations, validate technology, and set the stage for broader expansion into the emerging cislunar economy between Earth and the Moon.
Initially, the startup will target Earth observation operators and space enterprises that generate vast amounts of orbital data, providing in-space processing to reduce latency, enhance security, and improve efficiency.
