Introducing Big Iron
Our data center rocket and a new path to orbit for others.
Rendering of a Cowboy Space Big Iron rocket lifting off from a launch pad.
On October 26, our founder and CEO Baiju Bhatt joined Shawn Ryan at Big Sky Rising to introduce Big Iron, the data center rocket at the heart of our plan to build a power grid for AI in space.
“We set out to build data centers in space and found there weren’t enough rockets to get them there, so we’re building our own,” said Bhatt.
Power for AI in orbit
AI needs more computing power, and that means more electricity, cooling, and infrastructure. We believe space can help meet that demand. In dawn-dusk orbit, solar panels can collect sunlight almost continuously, powering computers without drawing electricity from the grid or using local water supplies for cooling.
Our planned constellation, Stampede, would bring those orbital data centers together into a fleet. At full build, our ambition is up to 20,000 satellites, each designed for one megawatt of power, for up to 20 gigawatts in total.
Big Iron
Big Iron is designed around that mission. Its upper stage will remain in orbit as the data center, while its booster is designed to return for reuse. Once deployed, the satellite will measure approximately 132 meters by 73 meters, supporting five racks of GPUs and six laser links, each targeting 1.2 terabits per second.
Parts that do one job during launch take on another in orbit. The outer shell becomes radiators. Ammonia used as propellant also serves as coolant. Nitrogen helps deploy the solar panels and radiators. That approach lets us put more of the vehicle to work throughout the mission.
The stainless steel rocket is designed to stand 86 meters tall and use liquid oxygen and methane propellant. Nine Clydesdale engines will power the booster, with a version of the same engine design powering the upper stage. We are targeting Big Iron’s first flight in 2028.
Building and launching at scale
We’re also developing the facilities needed to build and launch repeatedly. Our approximately 260,000-square-foot factory in Kent, Washington, is part of that effort. Trailhead is our concept for bringing manufacturing and launch operations together, with boosters designed for rapid reuse and downrange recovery.
Big Iron Express
Through Big Iron Express, we plan to offer commercial launch services for government and third-party payloads, including missions that need megawatt-class power in orbit. Building our own launch capability can support Stampede while giving other customers another way to reach space.
Come work with us
We want to help create a vibrant space economy, with more opportunities for suppliers, builders, spaceports, and communities to take part. There’s a lot to build. Come work with us.
The systems described are in development. Performance figures, constellation scale, and flight dates reflect design targets and plans, which may change.