# How Hard Is It to Build Orbital Data Centers?

The technical challenges of building data centers in space and SpaceX's plans.

- **Source:** [Ars Technica - All content](https://brifing.si/source/b728770c-8dda-457a-8986-84879c9fc42c)
- **Published:** 2026-07-15
- **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business)
- **Original article:** <https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/07/how-hard-is-it-to-build-orbital-data-centers-actually/>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/cb2fe228-cc6f-48e3-b4a4-d3e5d2c5e450

## The Idea of Orbital Data Centers

The idea of building data centers in space has long been discussed theoretically. However, SpaceX's initiative has recently made this technology even more intriguing. The project aims to increase data processing capacity by utilizing limitless solar energy in space.

## SpaceX's Grand Plan

SpaceX is tying its future value to orbital data centers. The company plans to create a constellation of 1 million satellites, generating 120 GW to power millions of GPUs. This project aims to solidify SpaceX's dominance in space.

## Technical Challenges

Building orbital data centers involves significant technical challenges. These include launching satellites, dissipating heat in space, dealing with radiation, and addressing latency issues in orbit. These challenges raise questions about the project's feasibility.

## AI1 Satellites

SpaceX is developing its first orbital data center satellite, named AI1. These satellites are based on Starlink V3 technology. Elon Musk has stated that this project is 'not a super hard problem.'

## Economic Challenges

In addition to physical challenges, orbital data centers face economic hurdles. Launching and maintaining satellites requires substantial costs. SpaceX's Starship rockets aim to reduce these costs.

## Solar Energy Utilization

The biggest advantage of space-based data centers is the use of limitless solar energy. Each AI1 satellite will generate 150 kW of peak power using approximately 600 square meters of solar panels. These panels increase the satellites' weight.

## Heat Dissipation

The computing power on satellites generates significant heat. Large radiators are required to dissipate this heat in space. These radiators add 1-2 tons to the satellites' total weight.

## Starship Rockets

SpaceX's Starship V3 rocket can carry 100 tons to low Earth orbit. The company is also planning a larger-capacity V4 rocket. These rockets will facilitate the launch of orbital data centers.

## Launch Costs

The full reusability of Starship rockets aims to reduce launch costs. In an ideal scenario, each launch could cost $20 million, translating to a remarkably low $100 per kilogram to low Earth orbit.

## Industry Perspectives

Iridium Communications CEO Matt Desch expresses skepticism about orbital data centers. Desch notes that this project is a long-term opportunity but involves significant technical challenges.

## Future Scenarios

The future of orbital data centers varies based on optimistic, neutral, and pessimistic scenarios. In the optimistic scenario, SpaceX's plans could succeed. However, in the pessimistic scenario, technical and economic challenges could hinder the project.

## Conclusion and Importance

Orbital data centers have the potential to revolutionize the space industry. However, the success of this project depends on overcoming technical and economic challenges. SpaceX's efforts in this field could shape future space technologies.

## Sources covering this story

- https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/07/how-hard-is-it-to-build-orbital-data-centers-actually/ — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._