Orbital AI data centers could work, but they might ruin Earth in the process (www.engadget.com)

Elon Musk recently announced a collaboration between SpaceX and xAI to create a constellation of 1 million satellites serving as orbital data centers, positing that this initiative could offer the cheapest way to generate AI computing power within three years. Experts acknowledge the technical feasibility of the concept, given the efficiency of solar panels in space and lower rocket launch costs. However, significant environmental and orbital sustainability concerns arise, particularly regarding the potential for Kessler syndrome, wherein the saturation of low Earth orbit with satellites could lead to dangerous collisions. Critics highlight substantial challenges in cooling millions of GPUs in space and the effects of cosmic radiation on advanced chips. While Musk claims minimal operational maintenance costs, the failure rate of satellite components remains uncertain. The proposed use of optical links and a sun-synchronous orbit may enhance communication and power generation, but the overall implications for orbital debris management, environmental impact from launches, and monopolizing critical orbital paths for Earth monitoring raise alarm. Without a coordinated global regulatory approach, the expansion of these satellites could disrupt critical services and exacerbate existing issues in space sustainability.