this post was submitted on 16 Jul 2026
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78
How hard is it to build orbital data centers, actually? (arstechnica.com)
submitted 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days 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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[–] Mirshe@lemmy.world 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Not to mention the payload reqs on this. All the radiation shielding and heat management is gonna need a new Sea Dragon-sized rocket.

[–] TIEPilot@lemmy.world 1 points 1 day ago

Great point, also think about the cost in fuel to keep it in LEO orbit. Then what happens when they lose control of it? Space Lab Part 2