Orbital data centers: FCC filings pile up as skeptics push back

FCC filings for orbital data centers are mounting: Cowboy Space seeks approval for its 20,000-satellite Stampede constellation, joining proposals from SpaceX, Blue Origin and Google. ABI Research expects gigawatt-scale orbital capacity in the early 2030s, while Sam Altman and Gartner call the idea unrealistic given solar panel and cooling costs.

• Cowboy Space filed with the FCC for a 20,000-satellite Stampede constellation
• SpaceX, Blue Origin and Google have also filed orbital data center plans
• ABI Research expects gigawatt-scale orbital capacity in the early 2030s
• Space-grade solar panels cost 2–3 orders of magnitude more than terrestrial ones