Elon Musk has backed a prediction attributed to Google co-founder Larry Page that almost all future computing infrastructure could eventually be located in space. Moneycontrol reported the update on November 10.
The idea of space-based data centres has attracted attention because space offers abundant solar power and a cooler environment. But the practical challenges are enormous.
Building and launching hardware into space is expensive. Maintaining and repairing systems is even harder. Data centres also need reliable power, cooling, networking, and security, all of which are difficult to manage in orbit.
The report suggests that space-based data centres may remain a long-term idea rather than a near-term solution.
For AI companies, the challenge is to find ways to expand computing capacity without relying only on Earth-based data centres. That could include more efficient chips, better cooling, and renewable energy.
For investors, the report is a reminder that AI infrastructure has physical limits. The industry cannot grow on software and chips alone; it also needs land, power, cooling, and public acceptance.
The report suggests that space data centres may be more expensive than many people expect.