In a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), the feasibility of placing data centers in space is being explored as a sustainable computing solution for an increasingly digital world. As global data consumption continues to surge alongside advancements in artificial intelligence, the demand for more efficient data processing and storage solutions has never been higher. The research proposes a radical yet practical approach to managing this demand by leveraging the unique environmental conditions in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), where unlimited solar energy and natural cooling can be harnessed.
The study, recently published in the prestigious journal Nature Electronics, outlines a comprehensive framework for establishing carbon-neutral data centers in space. Prof. Wen Yonggang, an Associate Provost at NTU, along with a team of interdisciplinary scientists, developed this framework to tackle the growing challenges faced by terrestrial data centers, especially in densely populated urban environments such as Singapore. With land scarcity and high real estate costs, traditional data centers are increasingly being challenged to meet both capacity and sustainability goals.
The unique proposition of utilizing space for data processing centers hinges on two substantial advantages: an abundance of solar energy and the extreme cold of the vacuum of space, which can facilitate a cooling process that is unmatched on Earth. The researchers assert that by strategically positioning satellites equipped with advanced processors, it is possible to create orbital data centers that operate without generating carbon emissions, a critical factor given the projected 165 percent increase in AI-driven computing demand by the year 2030. Indeed, in Singapore, the energy consumption attributed to data centers could rise from 7 percent to 12 percent of the nation’s electricity usage within the next few years, making the development of alternative solutions essential.
Prof. Wen emphasizes that the concept of orbital data centers aligns with a vision for sustainable computing that can transform global digital infrastructure. By capitalizing on the sun’s unrestricted energy and the natural cooling provided by the chilly environment of space—around 2.7 Kelvin—these facilities could offer superior performance compared to their Earth-bound counterparts. This innovative approach strives not just for reduced operational costs but also for a significant decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, which is of paramount importance as the world grapples with climate change.
To further substantiate their claims, the research team developed a digital twin model in collaboration with a deep-tech spin-off, Red Dot Analytics, founded by Prof. Wen. This model simulated the expected power consumption, cooling efficiency, and solar energy generation potential of space-based data centers. Early findings indicated that the method by which heat would dissipate into the vacuum of space could potentially allow for more efficient operation than conventional cooling methods used on Earth, a critical consideration for high-performance computing applications.
As technological advancements make the concept more plausible, the researchers outlined two distinct models for deploying data centers in space. The first model, referred to as Orbital Edge Data Centers, involves deploying imaging or sensing satellites loaded with AI accelerators that can process data at the source, transmitting only the essential results back to Earth for further analysis. This data reduction capability not only minimizes the volume of information that needs to be transported but also significantly cuts energy consumption and latency issues faced by terrestrial systems.
The second model proposed by the NTU research team is more ambitious: Orbital Cloud Data Centers. These would involve a constellation of satellites equipped with powerful servers, high-speed broadband links, solar panels, and specialized cooling systems designed to manage complex computational tasks including scientific simulations and AI model training. This decentralized approach allows for scaling operations effectively, providing a flexible alternative to conventional data center architecture situated on Earth.
Yet, there are challenges that remain, particularly around the initial carbon footprint associated with rocket launches, which are carbon-intensive. However, the study introduces a novel metric termed life-cycle carbon usage effectiveness (CUE). This metric demonstrates that over time, the emissions generated during the launch of these orbital facilities could be effectively negated by the immense benefits of their operational capabilities. Factors like the development of reusable rockets and improved launch technologies are critical in paving the way forward, making space-based operations not only more feasible but also more sustainable.
Additionally, advancements in technology have made significant strides. Companies like AMD have pioneered the production of space-grade processors, while NTU’s spin-off, Zero Error Systems, develops fault-tolerant semiconductor technologies that ensure consumer-grade hardware can perform reliably in the harsh conditions of space. These innovations set the stage for achieving a long-term vision where orbital data centers become an integral part of global computing infrastructure, devoid of the limitations imposed by terrestrial constraints.
The innovative research from NTU symbolizes a collaborative spirit between academic institutions and the tech industry, vital for addressing the pressing challenges of our time. With the invaluable input from Prof. Louis Phee, NTU’s Vice President of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the project highlights the importance of fostering creativity and interdisciplinary synergy among researchers and entrepreneurs alike. This research marks a pivotal step toward a future where sustainable computing solutions can be effectively developed and implemented.
NTU Singapore has leveraged its strong foundation in research and technological development to position itself as a leader in sustainability and advanced computing solutions. The study encapsulates NTU’s vision to mitigate the challenges of data consumption while simultaneously addressing environmental concerns through innovation.
In conclusion, the ambitious project proposes a viable and transformative solution to the challenges of modern computing. By breaking away from traditional methods and exploring the unbounded opportunities available in space, researchers at NTU are pioneering a future where sustainable and high-performance computing can coexist, ensuring that the growing digital needs of society can be met without compromising the integrity of our planet.
Subject of Research: Carbon-neutral data centres in space
Article Title: The development of carbon-neutral data centres in space
News Publication Date: 27-Oct-2025
Web References: 10.1038/s41928-025-01476-1
References: [1] Goldman Sachs Research, [2] Infocomm Media Development Authority, [3] Singapore Business Review, [4] AMD, [5] Zero Error Systems
Image Credits: NTU Singapore
Keywords
Space data centers, sustainable computing, carbon-neutral technology, artificial intelligence, energy efficiency, orbital systems, environmental science.
