analyzed Starcloud’s whitepaper (a fun read!) claiming a 40 MW orbital data center could be launched for $8.2M in a single Starship flight. Using ISS-proven solar and radiator systems as conservative baselines, the same system requires:
* ~400 tonnes of solar arrays
* ~900–1100 tonnes of radiators
Total launch mass exceeds 1,700 t — or 17–22 launches, not one. At realistic $500–$1,000/kg launch costs, that’s $850M–$1B, not $8M.
This doesn’t invalidate the concept of space-based computing — but it does suggest the near-term economics need major revision unless radiator mass drops by 10×. Solar array deployment mechanisms face similar hurdles.
(Note: The draft is still rough and slightly repetitive — I’ll be cleaning it up further soon. Feedback welcome.)
angadh|8 months ago
Total launch mass exceeds 1,700 t — or 17–22 launches, not one. At realistic $500–$1,000/kg launch costs, that’s $850M–$1B, not $8M.
This doesn’t invalidate the concept of space-based computing — but it does suggest the near-term economics need major revision unless radiator mass drops by 10×. Solar array deployment mechanisms face similar hurdles.
(Note: The draft is still rough and slightly repetitive — I’ll be cleaning it up further soon. Feedback welcome.)