The Hungarian technology and defence company 4iG Group announced on Friday that it has signed a non-binding commitment with Axiom Space, one of the world’s leading developers of commercial spaceflight and low-Earth orbit infrastructure. Under the agreement, 4iG may invest 100 million dollars in Axiom while also joining forces on a separate 100 million dollar orbital data centre project.
The deal, signed by 4iG Space and Defence (4iG SDT), marks a milestone for Hungary’s role in the global space industry. If completed, the transaction will be subject to financial, legal, and technical due diligence, along with regulatory approvals. The agreement also positions 4iG SDT as the first European partner to join Axiom in developing the Orbital Data Centre (ODC) programme, which aims to create a new-generation data hub capable of processing and storing the vast amounts of information generated in space.
The two companies have outlined a five-year, 100 million dollar framework for the ODC initiative, which will include infrastructure such as optical ground stations and innovation projects tied to space-based data processing. The partnership could act as a bridge between Hungary and strategic markets, providing the domestic space sector with a stronger international role.
CEO of 4iG SDT István Sárhegyi called the agreement a milestone in US–Hungarian relations, describing it as a unique opportunity for a Hungarian company to emerge as a strategic investor in an American space enterprise. He emphasized that the collaboration enhances both economic and technological cooperation between the two countries, while granting international recognition to Hungary’s space industry and its research and development capabilities.
Headquartered in Houston, Axiom Space is a global leader in commercial space infrastructure. The company is known for its human spaceflight missions to the International Space Station and the development of Axiom Station, the world’s first commercial space station. Axiom is also a partner in Hungary’s HUNOR programme, which will send the country’s second astronaut, Tibor Kapu, into space.
The agreement underscores Hungary’s ambition to secure a long-term position in orbital data processing and storage, while strengthening the role of Central Europe in the global space ecosystem.
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