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

David Lang
2026-02-27T15:07:50Z

one big satellite vs lots of small satellites (not a large coherent cluster like
is currently used for training)

David Lang

On Fri, 27 Feb 2026, Sascha Meinrath via Starlink wrote:

> Date: Fri, 27 Feb 2026 09:26:52 -0500
> From: Sascha Meinrath via Starlink <starlink@lists.bufferbloat.net>
> Reply-To: sascha@thexlab.org
> Cc: starlink@lists.bufferbloat.net
> Subject: [Starlink] Why Data Centers In Space Won't Work [Yet] (A
> non-canonical list).
>
> 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
>
>