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

Daniel AJ Sokolov
2026-02-27T15:15:09Z

On 2/27/26 at 15:26, Sascha Meinrath via Starlink wrote:
> 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. ???

Any satellite in LEO is in view for a few minutes only.

New security threats (jamming, physical attacks, can't replace
components that have security flaws)

There will also be resistance from concerned citizens, bussinesses, and
governments due to factors including, but not limited to:

Disposal (damage to the atmosphere of a million satellites burns up there)

Negative effects on astronomy

A million satellites will make it harder to launch rockets, I presume.

Unclear jurisdiction/limited enforcement capability

BR
Daniel AJ