Sophia Space Announces $300 Million Financing Framework for Satellite Constellation
Pasadena, Calif., Sept. 14, 2026 — Sophia Space has established a $300 million financing framework with SLI, an aerospace leasing specialist, to develop a 10-satellite high-performance edge computing constellation. This collaboration aims to leverage proven asset financing models from sectors like aviation and energy into the realm of orbital computing.
Under the agreement, SLI will purchase the satellites from Sophia and lease them to end-users via fixed monthly or quarterly payments. Once operational, the constellation is expected to provide computing capacity equivalent to 240 advanced edge servers, allowing Sophia to allocate equity capital for technology development and operations.
Rob DeMillo, CEO and Cofounder of Sophia Space, emphasized the importance of asset financing in scaling operations: “Asset financing didn’t invent aviation or shipping, but it accelerated them at scale. We’re doing the same for orbital computing.”
The non-binding letter of support ties SLI’s financing to Sophia’s deployment schedule, facilitating launches as early as 2028. This constellation will offer in-orbit edge data services for various applications including Earth observation, weather analytics, supply chain management, and intelligence and reconnaissance.
Praveen Vetrivel, CEO of SLI, noted, “Lowering barriers to entry unlocks markets. Sophia has the technology, team, and vision, and this framework provides scalable, non-dilutive capital.”
This long-term lease is designed to cover the satellites’ operational lives while offering a predictable financing structure for Sophia. SLI, as part of the Libra Group, brings over $15 billion in asset financing experience to the aerospace sector.
About Sophia Space Inc.
Sophia Space is pioneering the future of orbital computing with its TILE technology, enabling effective data processing and AI acceleration for satellites and space stations. Learn more at www.sophia.space.
About SLI
Founded by Libra Group in 2023, SLI focuses on innovative asset-financing solutions for the aerospace industry, addressing capital needs for satellites and advanced aviation assets. More information can be found at www.sliaerospace.com.
