Eager Space examines the practicality of putting data centers in orbit, walking through three scenarios with cost calculations and the launch cost reductions that would be required.
Why Hacker News points people here: Recommended in orbital data center threads as a thorough, numbers-based assessment.
“Goes into great detail with extensive calculations (for a YT video at least).”HN comment, 2026
“I watched this video last week that went into 3 different scenarios, it's a good watch.”
Examines three scenarios for orbital data centers
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We've officially lost the plot, we will now ship our AI data centers to ~space~ ... This will not work with modern technology. The sun will be eclipsed by earth many times per day, requiring you to either shift all workloads or add substantial UPS weight. The radiator grid you need to cool 125kw is something like 16x the size of the entire data center. I watched this video last week that went into 3 different scenarios, it's a good watch. this video
RecommendsCivilRNov 2025
“Eager space did a pretty thorough hypothetical cost breakdown of orbital data centers that I recommend.”
Thorough hypothetical cost breakdown of orbital data centers
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Eager space did a pretty thorough hypothetical cost breakdown of orbital data centers that I recommend. this video
RecommendsbriandwFeb 2026
“Goes into great detail with extensive calculations (for a YT video at least).”
Detailed calculations: launch cost must fall under $200/kg
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Eager Space [Orbital Data Centers Yes or No]( this video ) Goes into great detail with extensive calculations (for a YT video at least). TLDR: Cost to orbit needs to be under $200/kg before it makes sense.
