[Starlink] Why Data Centers In Space Won't Work [Yet] (A non-canonical list).

Sascha Meinrath
2026-02-27T14:26:56Z

Hi everyone,

Synthesizing from what we know thus far, I think it would be helpful to have a
topline bullet list of the major issues detrimentally impacting the viability of
data centers in space.

I remain highly skeptical of the concept, given today's technological realities,
and feel that there would be utility in having a quick reference of the major
shortcomings that need to be overcome.

Here's a starting point for some of the major limitations to data centers in
space (please add, though keep bullets pithy):

1. Thermal cooling/heat dissipation
2. Radiation hardening
3. Launch costs
4. Upgrade/maintenance costs
5. Kessler syndrome/ablation cascade risks (& collision avoidance)
6. Power generation/storage
7. Latency/bandwidth
8. Risk-adjusted ROI
9. ???
.
.
.

--Sascha

--
Sascha Meinrath
Director, X-Lab
Palmer Chair in Telecommunications
Penn State University