Rocket Lab Corp. (NASDAQ: RKLB) sees artificial intelligence (AI) creating a new source of demand for space infrastructure, as companies explore moving data centers and computing capacity into orbit. Sees a New Opportunity in Orbital AI
Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck said during the company's second-quarter earnings call on Monday that he sees space-based data centers as a legitimate opportunity, although he remains cautious about how large the market could become.
"I think it's a real opportunity," Beck said when asked about orbital data centers.
Rocket Lab has already introduced new solar cells specifically targeted at the application, and Beck said the company would be well positioned if orbital data centers become a meaningful industry.
"If they turn out to be a real thing, I think we'll be pretty deeply entrenched and well-positioned to capitalize it," Beck added.
AI is Already Competing for Rocket Launch Capacity
The potential emergence of orbital data centers comes as Rocket Lab sees launch capacity becoming increasingly scarce, with AI infrastructure adding to demand from satellite constellations, defense programs and other space applications.
Beck said even new launch capacity from competitors is already being committed to internal programs, including internet and AI data-center projects.
"A fair chunk of that capacity is already spoken for," Beck said, adding that he expects the constrained launch environment to persist "for some time."
AI Data Centers Could Take Computing Into Orbit
The rapid growth of AI is pushing companies to explore alternatives to traditional data centers, with power, land and cooling becoming increasingly important constraints on terrestrial infrastructure.
Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (NASDAQ: SPCX) executives have also pointed to solar-powered orbital computing as a potential solution, arguing that space could provide abundant solar energy without the same land and water constraints faced by data centers on Earth.
Revenue Tops Estimates as Loss Widens
Rocket Lab reported second-quarter revenue of $234.07 million, beating the consensus estimate of $231.35 million, while the company reported a second-quarter loss of 8 cents per share, missing the estimate for a loss of 7 cents per share, according to Benzinga Pro.
For the third quarter, Rocket Lab guided for revenue of $250 million to $265 million, above analyst estimates of $238.53 million, and expects an adjusted EBITDA loss of $17 million to $23 million.
Price Action: The company's shares fell 4.79% to $76.20 during early Tuesday trading.