NASA administrator suggests putting data centers in space
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman suggested housing data centers in Earth orbit to leverage solar energy and address public opposition to data centers on Earth. This idea aims to help the US win the AI race while mitigating environmental and community impacts. The suggestion comes amidst growing controversy over data centers in the US, with some politicians backing stricter policies and states considering moratoriums.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman recently proposed moving data centers into Earth orbit to address growing public and political opposition to their presence in the United States. Speaking with Nexstar DC's Vinay Simot, Isaacman highlighted the benefits of utilizing abundant solar energy in space to power these facilities, which he referred to as a "free fusion reactor." He suggested this move could help the U.S. secure its lead in the artificial intelligence race, while alleviating community concerns over rising prices and environmental impacts.
This proposal is not new; Isaacman previously discussed it on the "Pod Force One" podcast, suggesting the idea could gain consensus as a solution to "data centers that no one likes in your backyard." The concept would require massive solar panels, potentially "the size of several football fields."
The discussion comes as US politicians, including swing state candidates, are increasingly distancing themselves from data center developments. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro recently signed an order requiring data center developers to cover electricity costs and secure local approval, despite earlier promoting investments in his state. However, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin cautioned against state-wide moratoriums, arguing that such actions could hinder the U.S. in its competition with China for AI leadership.