Will Space Ever Be the Best Place for AI Data Centers?
A first-principles economic analysis
Recent reports project launch costs dropping to $10–100/kg, making orbital data centers seem inevitable. We examine whether these projections survive contact with physics, economics, and engineering reality.
01
Economic Viability of Space-Based AI Data Centers
Probability assessment across 3, 5, 10, and 20 year horizons.
02
What Is the True Cost Floor for Payload to LEO?
First-principles analysis of the absolute minimum cost to reach low Earth orbit.
03
Is $10/kg to LEO Physically Possible?
Thermodynamic and engineering analysis of whether ultra-low launch costs violate physics.
04
Alternative Launch Systems: Can Any Reach $10/kg?
Evaluating mass drivers, space elevators, laser propulsion, and other non-rocket approaches.
05
Citi GPS Report — A Credibility Assessment
Critical analysis of Citi's "Space: Dawn of a New Age" launch cost projections.
06
Launch Cost Trends: 14 Years Back vs. 14 Forward
Interactive visualization comparing historical launch costs with projected trajectories.