Data center on the Moon?
This is Lonestar Lunar's project to store data.
A data center on the Moon?
I think the term "store data in the cloud" is starting to make more sense.
Lonestar Data Holdings, a space startup, wants to turn the lunar surface into data storage territory. Next month, with the help of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and the Athena lunar lander from Intuitive Machines, the company plans to launch the first physical data center on the Moon.
Yes, next month, not in 2050.
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It actually makes sense: Space offers advantages for this type of project. Almost unlimited solar energy, naturally cheaper cooling systems, and the chance to avoid high costs and rising energy demands on Earth.
In addition, using the Moon as an "anchor" for disaster recovery and secure data storage is a compelling strategy. As Lonestar CEO Chris Stott said, "It's far enough to ensure communication security" (and also far from regulations?).
Those working with privacy and data protection are already dealing with TIAs (Transfer Impact Assessments) for international data transfers. I’m ready to rename it "TSA" (Transfer Space Assessment) for data transfers in space.
Called Freedom, the lunar data center will run on solar power and use naturally cooled solid-state drives.
This space race for data dominance isn’t isolated. Other startups are exploring the concept, driven by lower launch costs and the growing need for computational infrastructure for technologies like artificial intelligence. For instance, Lumen Orbit recently raised $11 million, while Lonestar has secured about $10 million according to Pitchbook, and they already have customers.
Job predictions for Infra and DevOps in 2030:
Lunar Cluster Specialist
Gravitational DevOps Engineer
Intergalactic Security Specialist
Maintaining space-based data centers would be complex, upgrades would be limited, and rocket launch costs remain high. And there’s always the risk of launch failure... disaster recovery planning and risk management must be extensive.
On the other hand, Lonestar's boldness symbolizes a new chapter in how we view digital infrastructure. Is the future of computing in space?
“Houston, we have a bug.”
I hope it works out, but the Moon's surface is 13 times smaller than Earth's—this race is already on. Will we see another space-age Cold War?
Here’s the full article:
https://www.reuters.com/technology/space/lonestars-moonshot-firm-aims-place-data-center-lunar-surface-2025-01-21