Why Are There No Data Centers in Space Yet, and How Useful Information is Processed on Spacecraft

In the rapidly evolving space technology sector, the traditional model of processing data exclusively on Earth is already becoming obsolete. Users need information with delays measured in minutes, not days. The laws of physics make this a challenge: processing requires transmitting enormous volumes of data over unreliable communication links to a ground segment that is itself constrained by limited observation windows.

I will talk about how the space data center industry is transforming, the difference between edge computing and a true space-based data center, how Donald Trump is connected to laser communication systems, whether a data center in space is actually feasible, and whether servers need cooling when outer space is already extremely cold.

We will also discuss which countries are developing which projects, how to run your own code on a satellite, what Russian space data centers look like, and what opportunities exist for enthusiasts interested in space computing.

In addition, we will explore the full spectrum of Microsoft's space-related technologies:

1. Ground-segment infrastructure
2. Software and code running on satellites
3. Processing space-derived data on Earth

And, of course, we'll examine which of these technologies are still alive today, what survived, and why.