Space-Based Data Centers: State of the Art, Economics, and Outlook
Space-based data centers (SBDCs) place compute and storage in orbit. Recent demonstrations show server-class hardware and GPU payloads can support early edge cloud services. This report reviews the December 2025 state of compute payloads, power, thermal design, and communications, using a quantitative "cost-per-watt" lens to compare orbital and terrestrial deployments.
Orbital vs Terrestrial Economics
Power & Thermal Constraints
In-Space Analytics
Resilience-Driven Storage