AI Data Centres in Space Under Scrutiny, Scientists Warn of Environmental Risks

Plans to build data centres in Earth’s orbit to support the computing needs of artificial intelligence (AI) have drawn scrutiny from scientists and environmental organisations. They warn that the project could potentially damage the atmosphere, disrupt the ozone layer, and increase light pollution if carried out without adequate environmental review. 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. This concept is considered capable of reducing electricity consumption and cooling requirements for data centres on Earth, but on the other hand, it introduces new environmental risks. Several organisations, such as Earthjustice, DarkSky International, Environment America, and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER), have filed a petition with the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC). They are asking the regulator to temporarily halt the licensing of orbital data centre projects until a thorough environmental impact assessment is conducted. According to researchers, rocket launches and the re-entry of satellites into 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 ultraviolet radiation exposure, and affect long-term climate balance. Beyond the risks to the atmosphere, scientists are also highlighting the impact on astronomical observations. If the orbital data centre project develops into a very large satellite constellation, light reflection from the satellites could worsen light pollution and disrupt observations using ground-based telescopes. Critics argue that these impacts have not been adequately explained in the proposals submitted by the companies, even though the number of satellites required to support AI data centres in orbit is estimated to be very large. They also caution that increased rocket launch activity will add emissions to the atmosphere and increase the risk of space debris. Although space-based data centre technology is considered to have the potential to reduce the energy burden on Earth, scientists stress that these benefits must be balanced with comprehensive scientific studies. They urge the FCC not to grant new licences until all 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.