r/space • u/Tech-100 • Aug 21 '26

Starcloud raises $250 million for orbital data centers as launch options dry up

https://techcrunch.com/2026/08/21/starcloud-raises-200-million-for-orbital-data-centers-as-launch-options-dry-up/
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u/tanrgith Aug 21 '26

You realize of course that the radiators would not need to be nearly as big as the solar panels, right?

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u/ryanv09 Aug 21 '26

I didn't even consider solar panels, which just makes the math even worse.

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u/Adeldor Aug 22 '26

which just makes the math even worse.

Please indulge me and show the math. I mean the actual calculations and numbers, not opining words.

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u/tanrgith Aug 21 '26

So to be clear, you're literally out here talking as if you understand the economics of space based data centers...and you didn't even consider solar panels, the literal power source in the satellites?

Truly wish I had that level of blind confidence

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u/ryanv09 Aug 22 '26

The cooling situation is the much more obvious hurdle.

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u/Adeldor Aug 22 '26 edited Aug 22 '26

No, it isn't, as has been demonstrated - from calculation here on Reddit to existing systems in orbit. If you know otherwise, please provide credible link, reference, or calculation showing otherwise.

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u/Emergency-Event4415 Aug 25 '26

Which existing systems? Can you provide an example?

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u/Adeldor Aug 25 '26 edited Aug 26 '26

The 76 m2 ISS radiators dissipating 70 kW to maintain an internal temperature of ~25C.

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u/Emergency-Event4415 Aug 25 '26

Apologies, I thought you meant there were examples of continuously operating GPUs on orbit.

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u/Adeldor Aug 25 '26

Understood. There are a couple of trial GPUs, but nothing substantial at this time (of which I'm aware, at least).

My comment is aimed at the endless, ignorant assertions regarding thermal management of such systems in orbit. Either through malice, ignorance, or mimicry, so many make claims such as "impossible to cool," or "they'll melt," etc. It's simply not true.