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Orbital Data Centers

All articles tagged with #orbital data centers

Space-Based AI Data Centers Face Tough Trade-Offs for Earth and Orbit
science-space-and-astronomy8 days ago

Space-Based AI Data Centers Face Tough Trade-Offs for Earth and Orbit

SpaceX and xAI reportedly plan a million-satellite constellation to run AI data centers in orbit. While proponents cite solar efficiency and lower terrestrial costs, experts warn it could trigger debris cascades (Kessler syndrome), overheating and radiation risks for space hardware, brightening the night sky and harming astronomy, and disruption to Earth observation and climate monitoring; even if feasible, AI training would still require Earth-based resources, and governance gaps could complicate implementation.

SpaceX plots solar-powered orbital data-center megaconstellation
business28 days ago

SpaceX plots solar-powered orbital data-center megaconstellation

SpaceX has asked the FCC to authorize a constellation of up to one million satellites in low Earth orbit that would act as an orbital data center, using near-constant solar power and intersatellite optical links (with Ka-band as a backup) to deliver AI compute from space. The satellites would operate at 500–2,000 km with 30-degree and sun-synchronous inclinations to maximize sun exposure; SpaceX says the system could reduce terrestrial data-center costs and environmental impact while enabling rapid AI processing, though the filing provides few technical details and seeks waivers from usual deployment milestones with no schedule or price disclosed. The plan aligns with SpaceX’s AI ambitions and broader corporate moves, including IPO considerations and potential ties to xAI.

Blue Origin unveils TeraWave for enterprise-grade global connectivity
technology1 month ago

Blue Origin unveils TeraWave for enterprise-grade global connectivity

Blue Origin announced its own megaconstellation, TeraWave, a 5,408-satellite system in low- and medium-Earth orbits designed to deliver up to 6 Tbps, targeting enterprise, data-center, and government users rather than consumers. The network would use LEO radios for up to 144 Gbps and MEO optical links for higher speeds, with deployment planned to begin in Q4 2027. The project may complement Amazon Leo and hints at orbital data centers, reflecting Blue Origin’s broader push into high-speed, reliable global connectivity, though it adds to internal resource strain as the company pursues multiple ambitious programs led by a new Emerging Systems division.

Debate Grows Over Space-Based Data Centers and AI Energy Risks
technology1 month ago

Debate Grows Over Space-Based Data Centers and AI Energy Risks

Planet and Google are collaborating on Project Suncatcher to develop orbital data centers for AI, launching two demonstration satellites by 2027 to test high-bandwidth intersatellite links and heat dissipation in space, with long-term plans for large satellite clusters to provide continuous solar-powered data processing in orbit, reflecting growing industry interest in space-based computing solutions.