Data Centers IN SPACE!

On December 9, 2024, Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, announced a major breakthrough in quantum computing via Twitter:

Introducing Willow, our new state-of-the-art quantum computing chip with a breakthrough that can reduce errors exponentially as we scale up using more qubits, cracking a 30-year challenge in the field. In benchmark tests, Willow solved a standard computation in <5 mins that would…

— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) December 9, 2024

Introducing Willow, our new state-of-the-art quantum computing chip with a breakthrough that can reduce errors exponentially as we scale up using more qubits, cracking a 30-year challenge in the field. In benchmark tests, Willow solved a standard computation in <5 mins that would take a leading supercomputer over 10^25 years, far beyond the age of the universe(!).

I don't want to be overly cynical, so I will take Sundar's words at face value and gather that he wants to be friends with Elon by mentioning some of his favorite things: space, computer power, and Starship.

This milestone in quantum computing is impressive. Willow’s ability to perform calculations in minutes that would otherwise take more than the age of the universe highlights the transformative potential of quantum technology. As the computing power of quantum chips accelerates, conversations often turn to where this unprecedented computational capacity should be deployed. One recurring idea is to place data centers in space.

The Case for Space-Based Data Centers

The concept of orbiting data centers has surfaced repeatedly, recently by Lumen Orbit, with proponents citing potential advantages such as:

• Lower launch costs: With advancements like SpaceX's Starship, putting infrastructure in space is becoming cheaper.
• 24/7 solar energy: In space, solar panels can theoretically generate power continuously without the interruptions of day-night cycles on Earth.
• Natural cooling: The vacuum of space could allow passive cooling via blackbody radiation.
• No terrestrial constraints: Space bypasses the land-use and permitting issues faced by terrestrial data centers.

However, as Scott Manley, a renowned science communicator, explains in his video Does It Make Sense To Put Data Centers In Space?, there are significant technical and economic barriers to making this idea feasible.

Challenges of Space-Based Data Centers

1. Orbit Dynamics:

   • In Low Earth Orbit (LEO), data centers would still experience day-night cycles roughly every 90 minutes, requiring large batteries for uninterrupted power.
   • Higher orbits would avoid these cycles but drastically increase launch and operational costs.

2. Radiation and Space Debris:

   • Solar panels and electronics degrade more quickly in higher radiation environments.
   • Large solar arrays in orbit are vulnerable to collisions with space debris, reducing service life.

3. Cooling Limitations:

   • Passive cooling in space requires massive radiators and specialized fluids to dissipate heat, adding complexity and weight.

4. Traffic in Key Orbits:

   • A practical orbit for such installations, like Sun-synchronous orbits, is already congested. These data centers would have limited ability to maneuver and avoid collisions.

In essence, while the vision of space data centers is exciting, the harsh realities of orbital mechanics, radiation, and maintenance make it unlikely. As Manley highlights, the costs and risks far outweigh the benefits for now.

A Cooler Alternative: Underwater Data Centers

Interestingly, a more practical solution for cooling and energy efficiency may lie underwater. Microsoft recently demonstrated the feasibility of submerged data centers in their Project Natick. These underwater facilities take advantage of naturally cold environments and efficient heat exchange with the surrounding ocean. Videos like Underwater Data Centers: The Next Big Thing in Keeping Computers Cold by Megaprojects dive into why this approach may be the "next big thing."

Conclusion

The future of data infrastructure may not be among the stars but beneath the waves.

Vote for my witness: @blue-witness