In a bold move reminiscent of science fiction, Lonestar Data Holdings has set its sights on establishing data centres on the Moon. Company president Stephen Eisele believes these lunar facilities could provide unmatched security for data storage and processing. Recently, Lonestar sent a miniature data centre, roughly the size of a hardback book, to the Moon aboard the Athena Lunar Lander facilitated by Intuitive Machines, a venture powered by SpaceX.
Data centres are crucial infrastructures that house servers to manage immense volumes of data for various entities. By relocating these facilities to the Moon, Lonestar argues they can ensure customer data is safe and taps into unobstructed solar energy for power. As demand for data storage surges due to rising applications of AI, traditional data centre locations on Earth are rapidly becoming coveted but problematic. These expansive facilities consume significant power and water, aggravating local public sentiment against their proximity.
Shifting to space-based data centres could alleviate these concerns, as they would not only provide limitless solar energy but also avoid community backlash against the environmental impact. Furthermore, these lunar facilities could serve the growing needs of spacecraft with expedited space-to-space data transfer capabilities.
A European Commission-backed feasibility study, the Ascend report, has indicated that deploying orbiting data centres could significantly alter Europe’s digital environment while proving eco-friendly. The report outlines a vision for building a constellation of satellites in orbit, collectively offering substantial data processing capabilities similar to standard ground-based facilities.
Despite the optimism surrounding this innovation, significant challenges remain. Dr. Domenico Vicinanza from Anglia Ruskin University warns that the costs associated with launching hardware into orbit remain high. The logistics involved in powering, cooling, and maintaining space-based data centres introduce layers of complexity that must be managed effectively. Cooling equipment presents a unique challenge in the absence of gravity, and potential space weather threats and debris complicate the operational landscape.
Lonestar, unyielding in its endeavor, anticipates launching a small data centre into lunar orbit by 2027, while competitors like Starcloud are pioneering their own satellite-based data centre initiatives with plans to commence operations sooner. Eisele argues that lunar facilities present enhanced security for state and corporate data, presenting them as a superior option to traditional terrestrial systems. With clients like the Florida government already on board, the future of off-Earth data centres could redefine the landscape of digital security and accessibility, provided that the hurdles associated with space infrastructure can be surmounted.
