Imagine moving the giant, power-hungry computer warehouses that run the internet from Earth into space. Up there, they can soak up endless sunlight for power without needing massive cooling systems that waste water. It is like moving a factory to a place where the energy is free and the cooling is natural, keeping our planet cleaner.
Terrestrial data centers are consuming massive amounts of energy and water, threatening carbon neutrality goals. As AI and remote work grow, the digital sector's environmental footprint is becoming unsustainable.
A comprehensive feasibility study including a 10MW MVP architecture, a 2050 deployment roadmap, and a robotic assembly concept for orbital data centers.
If you are a cloud provider dealing with skyrocketing energy costs and carbon taxes — this project developed a feasibility study for space data centers that could reduce the environmental footprint of digitalization. It proposes a path toward a 1GW deployment by 2050 to handle massive AI and remote work loads.
If you are a space systems company dealing with the need for larger orbital assets — this project developed a robotic assembly concept and a new European Super Heavy Lift Vehicle definition. This allows for the construction of modular infrastructures at a megawatt level in orbit.
If you are a consultancy dealing with clients whose data centers may represent 10% of EU electricity and water consumption by 2050 — this project developed a comparative analysis between terrestrial and space-based centers. This provides a data-backed alternative to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Based on available project data, specific pricing is not provided, but the project included a business plan definition to check the concept's economic viability.
Yes, the study defines a Minimum Viable Product of 10MW and sets a long-term industrial objective of 1GW deployed by 2050.
Based on available project data, the IP is distributed among the 13 partners, including major industry players like Thales Alenia Space and Airbus.
The project defined a communication architecture using high throughput optical communications to link space assets with the ground.
The project was a feasibility study ending in April 2024, with a long-term vision for deployment reaching 1GW by 2050.
The consortium is heavily industry-driven with an 85% industry ratio, comprising 11 companies and 2 research entities across 7 countries. Led by Thales Alenia Space, it combines the entire value chain: launch (ArianeGroup), space systems (Airbus, DLR), and digital infrastructure (Orange, HPE, CloudFerro), indicating a high potential for rapid industrialization if the concept moves past the feasibility stage.
Contact Thales Alenia Space France SAS regarding the ASCEND feasibility results.
Contact us to explore the technical architectures defined in the ASCEND study.
