AI Data Centres in Space Under Scrutiny, Scientists Warn of Environmental Risks
Plans to build data centres in Earth’s orbit to support artificial intelligence (AI) computing needs have drawn scrutiny from scientists and environmental organisations.
They warn the project could damage the atmosphere, disrupt the ozone layer and increase light pollution if operated without adequate environmental assessment.
The concerns emerged after several space companies, including SpaceX and Blue Origin, developed the concept of orbital data centres — data centres placed in outer space and powered by solar energy.
The concept is considered capable of reducing electricity consumption and cooling requirements for data centres on Earth, but at the same time raises new environmental risks.
A number of organisations, including Earthjustice, DarkSky International, Environment America and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER), have submitted a petition to the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
They are asking the regulator to temporarily suspend the granting of permits for orbital data centre projects until a thorough environmental impact assessment has been carried out.
According to researchers, rocket launches and the process of satellites re-entering the atmosphere can produce particles such as black carbon, aluminium oxide and other metals.
These materials are feared to accumulate in the stratosphere and disrupt the ozone layer, increase exposure to ultraviolet radiation and affect long-term climate balance.
Beyond the risks to the atmosphere, scientists have also highlighted the impact on astronomical observation. If orbital data centre projects develop into very large satellite constellations, light reflected from the satellites could worsen light pollution and interfere with observations using ground-based telescopes.
Critics believe these impacts have not been adequately explained in the proposals submitted by the companies, even though the number of satellites needed to support AI data centres in orbit is estimated to be very large.
They also warn that increased rocket launch activity will add emissions to the atmosphere and heighten the risk of space debris.
While space-based data centre technology is considered to have the potential to reduce the energy burden on Earth, scientists insist that this benefit must be balanced with comprehensive scientific study. They are urging the FCC not to issue new permits before the full impacts on the atmosphere, the ozone layer and the space environment are better understood.
According to them, the development of space technology must not ignore environmental risks that could affect the Earth in the long term. (The Guardian/Z-2)