The Axiom Station concept Photo: Axiom Space

4IG Space and Defence (4iG SDT), the Hungarian IT and telecoms company, is on the verge of a $100 million investment in Axiom Space to become a strategic investor in the company. Under a new agreement, 4iG SDT is evaluating a $100 million equity investment to acquire a stake in Axiom Space. The two companies also plan to collaborate on a $100 million project for the development of an Orbital Data Center (ODC). 4iG SDT announced the agreement Oct. 3.

Axiom Space is a U.S.-based commercial spaceflight and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) infrastructure development company. It conducts crewed missions to the International Space Station (ISS) and has been developing Axiom Station, one of the world’s first commercial space stations. Axiom Space also provides solutions for microgravity research, with a particular focus on space-based data networks, storage, and processing.

As part of the preparatory phase of the strategic collaboration, the parties have already signed two business cooperation agreements over the past year, focusing on research into LEO satellite technologies and orbital data center services. 4iG SDT may be Axiom Space’s first European partner to collaborate on the ODC program, including infrastructure such as optical ground stations.

The Hungarian company has been interesting one to watch in recent years. It came to the satellite world’s attention in 2021 when it announced that it was acquiring a majority stake in Israeli satellite operator Spacecom.

“The commitment established with Axiom Space marks a milestone in U.S.–Hungarian relations, creating a unique opportunity for a Hungarian company to become a strategic investor in a U.S. space enterprise, thereby strengthening economic and technological cooperation between the two countries. The agreement represents international recognition of Hungary’s space capabilities, could open new horizons in research and development, and lays the foundation for long-term engagement with global market players. Through the Orbital Data Center program, we can not only leverage the expertise of Hungarian professionals but also inspire the next generation in space exploration and STEM,” István Sárhegyi, CEO of 4iG SDT, said in a statement.