Starcloud’s SC-1L AI computing payload is planned to fly to lunar orbit aboard Firefly Aerospace’s Elytra vehicle, as part of Firefly’s Blue Ghost mission to the Gruithuisen Domes. The planned demonstration will process data from Firefly’s Solux vision system in orbit and send the processed data back to Earth. Firefly currently targets launch no earlier than 2028; that is a target, not a confirmed launch date.
What Starcloud and Firefly announced
On September 30, 2026, Firefly Aerospace announced a commercial payload agreement with Starcloud. Starcloud’s payload, designated SC-1L, is intended to demonstrate AI computing in lunar orbit using Firefly’s Elytra orbital vehicle. Firefly describes the effort as a way to validate capabilities relevant to a possible future data center around the Moon—not as an operating lunar data-center service. Firefly’s announcement and its Blue Ghost mission page describe the plan.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
How the planned computing demonstration works
Firefly says SC-1L will take in data from its Solux vision system, perform high-power AI computing in lunar orbit, then transmit processed data back to Earth. The concept is to process information near where it is generated rather than send all raw data elsewhere first, and to explore infrastructure that could support future lunar surface and orbital operations.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsThe companies have not published SC-1L’s processor model, detailed payload specifications, power or thermal requirements, measured computing performance, or price in the cited announcement and mission information. The announcement therefore describes the intended workflow, not quantified capability or a completed test result.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Solar System】: DIY your own sun earth moon orbital rotation model with this creative kit. Seasonal plate that shows the names, order, and dates of the four seasons and the twenty-four solar terms in the traditional Chinese calendar. night, seasons, solar eclipse, lunar eclipse and moon phases .
- 【Usage Scenarios】: Great for Geology & Earth Sciences Teaching, School project also Great gift for your children over 6 years old, it cultivates children's interest in space science. Earth orbiting around the sun, and moon orbiting around the earth showing planetary orbit.
- 【To Demonstrate Seasons and Solar and Lunar Eclipses】: 1)Rotate the Earth to show how the Earth's rotation and orbit around the Sun create seasons; 2)To demonstrate a solar eclipse, move the Moon between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun's light and casting a shadow on the Earth; 3)To demonstrate a lunar eclipse, move the Moon into the Earth's shadow, creating a tint on the Moon.
- 【Easy to Assemble 】: Updated Instruction 1)Wrench the connecting nut to the seasonal plate; 2) Insert the axe to the slot, put the two screws to the corresponding holes, then tighten the screws; 3) Get the “solar system” aligned correctly: Set the handle with the pointer on the summer solstice, adjust the position of the Earth so that the sun shines directly on its Tropic of Cancer; 4)Assemble the gears upper and underneath with the black peg;Put the sun’s metal wire in the hole on the lever.
- 【Size Information】100% brand new and high quality. Size(LxWxH): Approx. 38 x 20 x 28 cm / 15.20 x 7.87 x 11.02 inch.
Where SC-1L fits in the Blue Ghost mission
SC-1L is one part of Firefly’s broader Blue Ghost mission to the Gruithuisen Domes under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative. Firefly says Elytra will first act as a transfer vehicle and communications relay for the Blue Ghost lander. After the landing phase, Elytra is planned to remain in lunar orbit for five years for payload and imaging operations, including the Starcloud demonstration. That five-year period is Firefly’s stated plan, not a guaranteed operational lifetime.
When is the mission expected to launch?
Firefly’s current target is launch no earlier than 2028. “No earlier than” sets a planning threshold; it does not establish a specific launch date or guarantee that the mission will launch during 2028. The schedule is subject to change.
Rank #2
- Orbital planetarium model: the model is an excellent way to illustrate earth's rotation, the planet's revolution around the sun, the seasons of the year, and of our moon
- Sun earth moon orbital model classroom apparatus: with its advanced technology, users can witness the phenomenon of and in a captivating and immersive manner
- Solar system project kit: its engaging and interactive nature makes it an ideal instrument for family gatherings, where children and adults alike can at the wonders of the universe
- Planetarium project kit: with the three-sphere eclipse principle astronomy educational instrument, you can explore the wonders of the universe and deepen your understanding of the natural world
- Solar system model:Observe the motion trajectories of the sun, earth, and moon to deepen your knowledge of celestial movements and natural phenomena, ideal for educational purposes
What the announcement does—and does not—show
- Planned: Starcloud’s SC-1L payload will be hosted by Firefly’s Elytra vehicle for an AI-computing demonstration in lunar orbit.
- Planned: The payload will process data from Firefly’s Solux vision system and return processed data to Earth.
- Not established: The announcement does not show that a commercial lunar data center is operating, or provide measured SC-1L performance, payload specifications, or pricing.
Starcloud cofounder and CTO Ezra Feilden said the company had validated running and training AI models on enterprise-grade GPUs in low Earth orbit and was taking that technology to lunar orbit. That is Feilden’s account of the earlier work; the cited announcement does not independently verify it. The investor-relations version of Firefly’s release also carries the announcement and supports the Starcloud executive quote: Firefly investor-relations release.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Quick Recap
Best Value
- HOBBY MODEL KIT – Unassembled model packed in an envelope with easy to follow instructions. Ideal for ages 14 and up
- NO GLUE OR SOLDER NEEDED – Parts can be easily clipped from the metal sheets. Tweezers are the recommended tool for bending and twisting the connection tabs
- APOLLO LUNAR MODULE – 2 Sheet Model with a moderate difficulty level. Once assembled, dimensions are 2.34 x 2.34 x 2.15 inches.
- FROM STEEL SHEETS TO 3D – Pop out the pieces and connect using tabs and holes. Includes illustrated instructions
- HIGHLY DETAILED ETCHED MODEL – Display your 3D model once completed - collect and build them all
Rank #4
- The model is an excellent way to illustrate Earth's rotation, the planet's revolution around the sun, the seasons of the year, and the orbit of our moon - all in one!
- This device can serve to illustrate to a young child that Earth spins on its axis, that the moon orbits Earth every 28 days, and the Earth orbits the sun once a year,Can help child's astronomy class better understand moon phases, eclipses, season, etc.
- You can learn about the 24 Solar Terms used by farmers in China,It's pretty easy, it comes in English.
- There is a raised button on the sun model, Remove the wire and push the button, the sun will give out light.
- Note: This item will be interesting to kids who are starting to get excited about astronomy, but It is not suitable for rigorous astronomy scientific research!
Rank #3
- MAKE ASTRONOMY EASY TO SEE: Gear-driven movement helps teachers and students show how the Earth moves around the sun and how the moon moves around the Earth. Instead of flat diagrams, the model turns abstract lessons into a clear hands-on demonstration for classrooms, homeschool, and science projects.
- DEMONSTRATE SEASONS AND ECLIPSES: Multiple moving axes make it easier to explain daylight, night, moon phases, seasons, solar eclipses, and lunar eclipses in one tabletop display. Students can rotate the handle, watch the positions change, and connect each movement with real astronomy concepts.
- BUILD A MORE ENGAGING LESSON: The DIY assembly format adds interaction before the lesson even begins. It encourages observation, problem solving, and discussion, making it useful for school labs, STEM activities, homeschool units, science fairs, and parent-led learning at home.
- STAY STEADY DURING DEMOS: Plastic and steel construction sits on a wide base designed for repeated classroom handling. The compact 15.2 × 7.87 × 11.02 in size fits on desks, teaching tables, and display shelves while keeping the sun, Earth, moon, and season plate easy to view.
- REDUCE SETUP CONFUSION: The model includes an operating handle, orbit rods, season plate, moon phase display, and gear-driven parts in one kit. For smooth rotation, gears should be aligned freely and not pressed too tightly, helping users get better motion and a cleaner demonstration.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
