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The Conversation
The Conversation
Samantha Lawler, Associate Professor, Astronomy, University of Regina

Corporate ‘orbital data centre’ proposals are dangerous for humanity

Satellites SpaceX Data Centres FCC Starlink Artificial Intelligence Earth Reflect Orbital
A computer-generated image of objects in Earth orbit that are already being tracked, before any massive new satellite megaconstellations. Approximately 95 per cent of the objects are space debris in the form of non-functional satellites. (NASA)

SpaceX has started a trend. More American companies are betting that they can beat the laws of physics by launching thousands of enormous satellites to create orbital “AI data centres” with names like Cowboy Space’s Stampede.

Space commercialization has progressed to a point where numerous aerospace and technology experts view these ambitious corporate orbital agendas as entirely detached from practical reality.

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