How data centers in space could become a reality

Building data centers in space is more complicated than proponents might portray, but experts say it's increasingly doable. Work is already under way from startups Starcloud and Cowboy Space Corp. as well as big tech companies including SpaceX and Google. SpaceX has already filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission to launch a million satellites. The prospectus outlines plans to launch a test of its orbital data centers by 2028, however Reuters reported the company has been telling investors during its roadshow that it actually hopes to do so by the end of 2027. Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin has also filed for permission to launch data centers in space. As part of its Project Sunrise, Blue Origin has sought to launch more than 50,000 satellites—far less than SpaceX—but still an enormous effort. In a new report, real estate research firm JLL says it sees space as particularly suited to energy intensive, but less urgent tasks.