Faced with earthly opposition, tech leaders want to put data centers in orbit
Facing significant public opposition to ground-based facilities, tech leaders are proposing to build data centers in space to meet growing AI demands. Companies like SpaceX are seeking FCC approval for massive satellite constellations to host these facilities. Environmental groups are raising concerns about light pollution, space debris, and unknown impacts, urging the FCC to conduct a full environmental review.
Faced with increasing opposition to terrestrial data centers across the United States, tech leaders and venture capitalists are now proposing to build data centers in Earth's orbit. Companies like Mantis Space envision a space-based power grid, while Elon Musk's SpaceX has formally petitioned the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for permission to launch a data center network comprising up to one million satellites.
Proponents, including Mantis Space CEO Eric Truitt and former Blue Origin president Rob Meyerson, who now leads Interlune, argue that space-based data centers are inevitable and can be sustained by sourcing materials and solar energy in orbit. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman has also championed the idea, suggesting it's a solution to public disfavor towards ground facilities, exemplified by a protest against 'Project Jupiter' in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
However, these proposals face significant environmental and strategic concerns. Critics, including the Government Accountability Office (GAO), warn of potential impacts on the night sky, astronomical research interference, increased collision risks, and space debris. A coalition of environmental organizations, including Earthjustice and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, has asked the FCC to conduct a full environmental review of SpaceX's plans, citing worries about artificial light emissions, atmospheric changes, and geomagnetic signal disruption. SpaceX, in response, indicated a phased deployment approach to monitor effects and acknowledged the need to develop brightness mitigation techniques.