this post was submitted on 16 Jul 2026
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How hard is it to build orbital data centers, actually? (arstechnica.com)
submitted 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) by nullify3112@lemmy.world to c/technology@lemmy.world
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Editor’s note: … In this article, we discuss the technical challenges of building an orbital data center constellation: launching all of it, dissipating heat in space, dealing with radiation, and addressing latency issues in orbit. Read part one here.

I find the napkin math interesting, especially putting into light that given expected longevity of such satellites, 5 to 7 years, they will have to do 10 to 42 launches per day. SpaceX will need $1.5 to $10 trillions to make it happen. All of that so the slop machine doesn’t have to run into obstacles like democracy ? So it can destroy communities and the environment freely? What are we doing?

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[–] beliquititious@lemmy.blahaj.zone 6 points 1 month ago (2 children)

Wouldn't it still be cheaper to build megastructures on earth in remote and uninhabited places? Like I get you have to build your own power and run your own fiber if you say build a data center the size of Rhode Island in the Yukon or something, but that has to be more cost effective than orbital.

Taking it to orbit creates far more problems than it solves.

[–] zod000@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 1 month ago

Yes, or course that would be cheaper and more practical. It would not, however, be as good at generating moronic hype that captivates foolish investors.

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