Why does Sam Altman think orbital data centers are unrealistic?

Sam Altman believes orbital data centers are unrealistic this decade due to the inability of modern AI chips to withstand space radiation and high launch costs.

What are the main technological hurdles for orbital data centers?

The primary hurdles include the unsuitability of modern AI chips for space radiation and the performance limitations of existing radiation-hardened chips.

When might orbital data centers become feasible, according to Sam Altman?

Altman suggests that orbital data centers might make sense someday but not at a meaningful scale within this decade.

Home / Technology / Space Data Centers: Sam Altman Calls Idea 'Ridiculous'

Space Data Centers: Sam Altman Calls Idea 'Ridiculous'

26 Feb

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Summary

Orbital data centers are deemed unrealistic for this decade by Sam Altman.
Modern AI chips can't survive space radiation, making them unfeasible.
Radiation-hardened chips use older tech, lacking AI performance needs.

Space Data Centers: Sam Altman Calls Idea 'Ridiculous'

Sam Altman has stated that placing large-scale data centers in orbit is currently unrealistic for this decade. He noted that modern AI chips, built with advanced 4nm-class process technologies, are not radiation-hardened and would not survive in space.

While radiation-resistant semiconductors exist, they are manufactured using older nodes that lack the performance necessary for today's AI demands. Altman pointed out that the cost of launching hardware into space, coupled with the challenges of repairing complex components like GPUs, makes orbital data centers unfeasible for now.

He acknowledged that space-based computing might become viable in the future. However, as of 2026, the necessary advancements in combining high performance with radiation tolerance, alongside the development of robust supporting infrastructure for power, cooling, and maintenance, have not been achieved.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.

Space Data Centers: Sam Altman Calls Idea 'Ridiculous'

26 Feb

•

Summary

Orbital data centers are deemed unrealistic for this decade by Sam Altman.
Modern AI chips can't survive space radiation, making them unfeasible.
Radiation-hardened chips use older tech, lacking AI performance needs.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.