US startup patents space data hub using energy from Sun
A US patent, issued to Sophia Space and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), covers a modular design that would let computing centres operate in space, using solar power and the cold emptiness of space to help control heat. Sophia Space said the system could eventually handle data directly in orbit instead of sending it back to Earth.
«This patent reflects a different way of thinking about computer infrastructure in space,» said Dr Leon Alkalai, Founder and CTO of Sophia Space.
«You can’t just take a data center from Earth and put it in space. Building data centers in space needs a new approach to how energy is used. Cooling in space is not easy … Our work created the ‘TILE’ design, a modular, expandable, passively cooled computing and data storage unit that can be put together into a large data center in space.»
Computing beyond Earth
The idea of moving data centres into orbit has become more popular as artificial intelligence increases the need for computing power and electricity. Supporters say space provides plenty of solar energy and natural cooling, which could lower the energy costs of regular facilities on Earth.
However, the idea still faces major technical and financial challenges, such as launch costs, upkeep, and space debris, in pursuing the technology.
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