EU and the European Space Agency want to set up data centres in space

Since the rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI), the demand for data centres has surged, so much so that most data centres are not able to service GenAI companies without making massive changes to their infrastructure. Moreover, the data centres that service GenAI companies consume an obscene amount of water and electricity.

This has led to Europe exploring the idea of sending data centres into space. This move aims to achieve data sovereignty and enhance energy efficiency in response to land shortages and high power demands on Earth.

A recent study has shown that launching data centres into orbit is not only technically and economically viable but also environmentally advantageous.

Damien Dumestier, who managed the study for Thales Alenia Space, reported encouraging results, highlighting the feasibility, financial sense, and reduced carbon footprint of space-based data centres compared to their terrestrial counterparts.

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The study, coordinated by Thales Alenia Space on behalf of the European Commission, took 16 months and cost €2 million. The concept involves using solar energy to power these orbital data centres, significantly cutting down on energy consumption. However, Dumestier noted that the project is ambitious and likely won’t be ready until 2036, though the need for solutions is immediate.

Data centres, which house computer systems and vast amounts of data, are energy-intensive, requiring significant power to operate and stay cool. By 2026, data centres are projected to consume about 1,000 terawatt-hours annually, equivalent to Japan’s total electricity usage, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

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Currently, big tech companies like Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, and Google, known as “hyperscalers,” are the major buyers of data centre space. Kevin Restivo, a European data centre researcher at CBRE, pointed out the challenges in finding available power and suitable land in most European metropolitan areas. As a result, data centres are being built in new locations, such as Microsoft’s recent land purchase in Yorkshire, northern England, where power is already secured.

While sending data centres to space seems futuristic, Restivo believes it’s a valuable area of research, similar to underwater data centres. He emphasised that pushing the boundaries of data centre development is crucial for industry growth. These efforts could lead to innovative power solutions beyond the electricity grid and more autonomous data centre operations.

The study also suggests that space data centres would require a new type of launcher producing 10 times fewer emissions and would need to stay in orbit with rocket fuel, prompting the search for alternative solutions. Dumestier mentioned ongoing discussions with France’s Ariane Group and a German space company about developing more environmentally friendly launchers, which could be feasible in a few years.

A significant concern is ensuring that space data centres do not contribute to space debris. The proposed data centres would orbit at around 1,400 kilometres, higher than many satellites. Ensuring their longevity and reusability is crucial to meeting sustainability goals.

Space data centres could provide Europe with data sovereignty and position it as a leader in the space sector. Dumestier sees this as a flagship opportunity for deployment, potentially opening doors for other applications and markets.

In conclusion, while the concept of space data centres is still in the research phase, it holds promise for addressing the growing demands and environmental challenges associated with traditional data centres. This innovative approach could transform the industry and offer significant benefits for Europe’s technological and environmental landscape.