Building and operating data centers in space is technically feasible
Building and operating data centers in space is technically feasible, supported by recent research addressing orbital constellations, high-altitude platform computing, satellite edge networks, and lifecycle reliability assessments.
The claim is specific and empirically testable, passing Step 0. Multiple retrieved papers explicitly investigate space-based data centers, satellite cloud/edge computing, and orbital data storage architectures (such as papers [1], [2], [4], and [9]), confirming that while there are significant engineering and reliability hurdles regarding radiation and power, the technical framework and operational concepts are actively being developed and modeled. None of the papers refute feasibility; instead, they analyze practical deployment strategies and constraints. Therefore, the balance verdict is SUPPORTED.
Jichen Lu, Osama Amin, Basem Shihada. Task-Aware Offloading for Cloud Computing In Sky-Based Aerial Data Centers. 2025. https://doi.org/10.36227/techrxiv.175615804.41945749/v1
This paper investigates DC-HAPs (Data Center-Enabled High Altitude Platforms) and tasks offloading, establishing the feasibility of using aerial/space-based platforms to reduce terrestrial data center energy consumption.
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Meegama RGN. O-RAID: a satellite constellation architecture for ultra-resilient global data backup.. 2026. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-38784-1
This paper proposes O-RAID, a satellite constellation architecture designed for large-scale data storage and backup in Earth's orbit, demonstrating the technical framework for orbital data centers.
Li Y, Zhu S, Xiong T, Li Y, Su Q, Dai J. Joint Task Offloading and Power Allocation for Satellite Edge Computing Networks.. 2025. https://doi.org/10.3390/s25092892
This paper explores satellite edge computing networks, establishing collaborative offloading strategies and algorithms for distributed computational processing in orbit.
Mahmoud Al Ahmad, Qurban Memon, Michael Pecht. Reliability and Risk in Space-Based Data Centers: A Lifecycle Assessment of Orbital Cloud Infrastructure. 2026. https://doi.org/10.3390/app16115247
This lifecycle assessment and risk analysis of space-based data centers (SBDCs) confirms their structural and operational conceptualization while outlining engineering constraints like radiation and thermal management.
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