In a move that sounds like science fiction, Florida-based Lonestar Data Holdings is aiming to launch a data centre on the Moon. The company believes that putting data centres in space will offer unparalleled security and sustainability, addressing growing demands for data storage while avoiding environmental concerns on Earth.
Last month, the company claimed to have successfully tested a miniature data centre the size of a hardback book, which traveled to the Moon aboard the Athena Lunar Lander. The mission was part of a collaboration between Intuitive Machines, a U.S. space exploration firm, and Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which launched the rocket carrying the lander. According to Lonestar, the test demonstrated the feasibility of establishing data processing facilities beyond Earth.
Data centres, which are large facilities housing computer systems that store and process data for websites, businesses, and governments, are facing an increasing challenge due to the growing demand for storage. This surge is largely driven by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and other data-intensive technologies. A report from global consultants McKinsey estimates that demand for data centres will grow by 19% to 22% annually by 2030.
However, finding suitable locations for new data centres on Earth is becoming increasingly difficult. They require massive amounts of power and water for cooling, and local opposition to their environmental impact is growing. Space-based data centres, such as those planned by Lonestar, could solve these problems. With virtually unlimited solar power available and no nearby populations to worry about, space-based facilities could be more environmentally friendly than their Earth-bound counterparts. Furthermore, they could offer services specialized for space operations, with data transfers between space stations and spacecraft faster than Earth-to-space communications.
In addition to Lonestar’s ambitions, other companies are exploring space-based data centres. Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture of French and Italian aerospace firms, has conducted a feasibility study on orbiting data centres. Their plans include a constellation of 13 satellites, which would collectively process data at a scale similar to a medium-sized Earth-based facility.
Despite the optimism surrounding the concept, experts caution that significant hurdles remain. Dr. Domenico Vicinanza, an associate professor at Anglia Ruskin University, notes that launching hardware into space is still extremely expensive, and space-based data centres would require additional infrastructure to protect, power, and cool the equipment. Space weather and the risk of space debris could also pose threats to the hardware, while repairs in orbit are challenging and costly.
Lonestar, however, is confident about the future of space-based data centres. The company plans to deploy its first operational data centre around the Moon in 2027, with additional launches expected from competitors like Starcloud, which is set to launch a satellite-based data centre by mid-2026.
The key advantage of space-based data centres, according to Lonestar’s president, Stephen Eisele, is security. Data stored in space would not need to be routed through terrestrial networks, reducing the risk of hacking or unauthorized access. Furthermore, the distance to the Moon ensures that data takes longer to reach Earth, making it more secure for long-term storage and backups.
Lonestar has already lined up customers, including the state of Florida and the Isle of Man government. As the company moves forward with its ambitious plans, it could usher in a new era of space-based infrastructure, transforming the way data is stored and processed for decades to come.
