The European Commission’s Horizon Europe program has funded a study to explore the feasibility of space-based data centers. The ASCEND study, led by Thales Alenia Space, has shown promising results, as reported by The Engineer. The study’s objective is to reduce the carbon footprint of data centers and transform the European digital landscape.

A Greener Option for Data Centers?

The ASCEND study compared the environmental impacts of space-based and Earth-based data centers. The results suggest that space-based data centers could significantly reduce CO2 emissions, provided that a launcher with ten times lower emissions is developed.

« The results of the ASCEND study confirm that deploying data centers in space could transform the European digital landscape, offering a more eco-friendly and sovereign solution for hosting and processing data, » said Christophe Valorge, CTO of Thales Alenia Space, to The Engineer.

Technological Feasibility and Economic Viability 

The ASCEND study validated the technological feasibility of deploying and operating space-based data centers. The use of robotic assembly and modular space infrastructures would enable the construction of these data centers in orbit. The study also confirmed the potential economic viability of the project, with a prospect of a return on investment of several billion euros between now and 2050.

A High-Flying Solution with Some Downsides

While the ASCEND study offers a promising solution for reducing the carbon footprint of data centers, there are challenges to consider. The environmental impact of launching and maintaining satellites could offset some of the benefits. Additionally, the development of a high-capacity, eco-designed, and reusable launcher is still in its early stages.

The ASCEND study offers a promising solution for reducing the carbon footprint of data centers and achieving the EU’s net-zero objectives. While there are challenges to consider, such as the environmental impact of launching and maintaining satellites, the potential benefits of space-based data centers are significant.