Cowboy Space Corp. has raised $275 million for a satellite 'stampede' ahead of its first planned launch later this year, marking a bold shift toward orbital AI infrastructure. The rebranded Aetherflux, founded by Robinhood co-founder Baiju Bhatt in 2024, aims to deliver high-performance compute and optical data transmission from space to Earth, aiming for a 1-megawatt hub once in orbit. Engineers from SpaceX, Astranis, Kuiper, and NVIDIA are collaborating to build a vertically integrated system, blending rockets and satellites into a single mission. This initiative addresses the growing demand for AI computing by leveraging space-based power grids, which struggle to keep pace with Earth's infrastructure. Asteroid engineer Elizabeth Howell, a Canadian spaceflight journalist, notes that the project reflects a broader trend where traditional satellite constellations are being replaced by more efficient, scalable solutions. The stampede aims to demonstrate rapid deployment and cutting-edge technology, aligning with global efforts to meet AI's transformative potential.
