A new wave of technology may soon move our most important digital information to outer space. Space-based data centres, once considered science fiction, are now inching closer to reality. A U.S. company named Lonestar Data Holdings recently took a bold step by testing a small data centre on the Moon. This innovation could change how we think about storing and protecting data.
Lunar Test Marks Major Milestone
Lonestar’s test took place during a recent lunar mission by Intuitive Machines. The company’s Athena Lunar Lander carried a miniature data centre to the Moon. The payload launched aboard a SpaceX rocket, making it a huge achievement for the Florida-based tech startup.
The idea is simple but powerful: store data in space to keep it safe from natural disasters, cyberattacks, and power failures on Earth. Space also offers constant solar energy, no weather problems, and zero interference from nearby buildings or cities.
Why Space? Growing Digital Demands on Earth
The world’s demand for data is growing fast, especially due to artificial intelligence. By 2030, a report by McKinsey predicts that global data centre needs will grow by 19% to 22% each year.
On Earth, data centres require huge amounts of electricity and water. They also need space, which is hard to find in crowded or protected areas. Local residents often protest against building new centres near their homes. Moving these facilities into orbit or to the Moon could avoid many of these issues.
In space, there is no shortage of sunlight. This can power the systems all day, every day. Space-based centres would also help space missions by improving data flow between satellites and spacecraft.
Support from Europe for Space Data
The European Commission has shown interest in the idea. It funded a study called Ascend, led by aerospace company Thales Alenia Space. The goal was to see if orbital data centres could work.
The study proposed a network of 13 satellites forming one big space-based data centre. This floating structure would offer the same power as a mid-sized Earth-based centre. Engineers plan to build these structures in space using existing and new technologies.
However, the project faces some big challenges. Rocket emissions must be reduced by 90% to make this eco-friendly. Still, experts believe that with fast progress, the system could be ready for real use between 2030 and 2037.
Challenges Ahead
While the concept is exciting, experts warn that the road to success is tough. Dr. Domenico Vicinanza of Anglia Ruskin University says the cost is the biggest problem. Every kilogram sent into space costs thousands of dollars.
Also, space is a tough place for machines. Without gravity, regular cooling systems don’t work. New systems will need to be developed. Space radiation can harm electronics. And space junk could damage the structures. If something breaks, fixing it would take months and cost a lot. In some cases, a human mission may be needed.
Companies Push Forward Despite Risks
Despite all this, companies are still moving forward. Lonestar says there is strong customer interest. Scott, a Lonestar representative, said, “We wouldn’t pursue this if customers weren’t asking for it.”
The company plans to launch a full lunar data centre by 2027. Another company, Starcloud from Washington, aims to launch a satellite data centre next month. They hope to start services by 2026.
Stephen Eisele, president of Lonestar, says space offers the best protection for sensitive data. These centres could send data directly to secure ground stations, skipping the public internet.
“It’s like a vault deep inside the bank,” Eisele explained. “It’s not opened daily, but it secures vital information.”
Even though the Moon is far away, the delay in sending data is only about one and a half seconds. This short lag does not affect backup or storage services.
Founder Chris Stott also added that space data centres follow international space laws. “The electronics unit follows the laws of the launch country—it’s like an embassy in space,” he said.
A New Digital Era?
Though still in early stages, space-based data centres are drawing interest worldwide. Governments like Florida and the Isle of Man are already Lonestar’s customers. More may follow if the technology proves secure and efficient.
As our digital needs grow, storing data beyond Earth could become the norm. For now, companies like Lonestar are leading the way into this bold new era.