Pixxel, a space-tech startup based in Bengaluru, has announced a partnership with Sarvam AI to develop India's first orbital data centre satellite, named The Pathfinder. Scheduled to launch by the end of 2026, this 200-kg satellite will house advanced graphics processing units (GPUs) specifically designed for AI model training and inference. Unlike traditional satellite computing, which relies on low-power processors, The Pathfinder will utilize hardware similar to that found in terrestrial data centres, enabling it to support cutting-edge AI applications. This initiative comes as companies like SpaceX and Meta explore space-based solutions to circumvent the growing energy demands of on-ground data centres. The Pathfinder will also carry a hyperspectral imaging camera to analyze data directly in orbit, significantly reducing the time between data capture and actionable insights. The project aims to validate the feasibility of AI processing in space, marking a significant step in the evolution of data infrastructure in India. Pixxel's CEO, Awais Ahmed, emphasized the potential of orbital data centres to harness solar energy and operate closer to space-based data, while Sarvam's CEO, Pratyush Kumar, highlighted the importance of developing indigenous AI capabilities in orbit.