# Microsoft Azure Space (orbital edge precursors): orbital data center program

> United States (United States), big tech. Stage 4 of 7: Payload demo flown. Azure connected to HPE Spaceborne Computer-2 on the ISS from 2021, and its app framework ran on IMAGIN-e from 2024.

- Canonical page: https://spacenexus.us/orbital-data-centers/microsoft-azure-space
- This Markdown version: https://spacenexus.us/orbital-data-centers/microsoft-azure-space.md
- Data as of: 2026-10-05 (last evidence review)
- How the numbers are made: https://spacenexus.us/orbital-data-centers#method

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## Stage evidence

- Azure connected to HPE Spaceborne Computer-2 on the ISS from 2021, and its app framework ran on IMAGIN-e from 2024. Sources: [Microsoft Azure](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/connecting-azure-to-the-international-space-station-with-hewlett-packard-enterprise/)

## Approach

- Orbit: ISS; LEO
- Architecture: No orbital data center program. Azure linked to HPE SBC-2; Azure Space SDK on Thales Alenia IMAGIN-e and on Loft YAM-6 (Space Compass)
- Power: Host-provided
- Cooling: Host-provided
- Compute: Software on partner hardware
- Customers: Not applicable

## Milestones

| Date | Status | Confidence | Milestone | Sources |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2021-02-20 | achieved | Confirmed | Azure connected to HPE Spaceborne Computer-2 on the ISS | [Microsoft Azure](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/connecting-azure-to-the-international-space-station-with-hewlett-packard-enterprise/) |
| 2024-03 | achieved | Confirmed | IMAGIN-e edge computing payload launched to the ISS. Thales Alenia Space hardware running a Microsoft on-orbit application framework. | [Thales Alenia Space](https://www.thalesaleniaspace.com/en/news/imagin-e-payload-unlocks-potential-space-edge-computing-aboard-iss) |
| 2025-04-14 | achieved | Confirmed | Space Compass and Microsoft ship-detection demo cuts downlink by 98.1%. On Loft Orbital YAM-6. | [SKY Perfect JSAT](https://www.skyperfectjsat.space/en/news/SpaceCompass_SpaceEdge_demo_with_Microsoft) |

## Announced next steps (as the organisation stated them)

No dated next step announced.

## What to watch (SpaceNexus note, not a prediction)

Microsoft has made no orbital data center statement as of 2026-10-05.

## Sources

- [Microsoft Azure](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/connecting-azure-to-the-international-space-station-with-hewlett-packard-enterprise/)
- [Thales Alenia Space](https://www.thalesaleniaspace.com/en/news/imagin-e-payload-unlocks-potential-space-edge-computing-aboard-iss)
- [SKY Perfect JSAT](https://www.skyperfectjsat.space/en/news/SpaceCompass_SpaceEdge_demo_with_Microsoft)

## Licence and credits

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