Source: Fortune
Summary
Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman expressed skepticism about the feasibility of space-based data centers, citing the high cost of transporting equipment as a major obstacle. This comes after Elon Musk announced the merger of SpaceX and xAI, with plans to create space-based data centers. Garman noted that while there are benefits to space-based data centers, such as harnessing solar energy and cooling equipment, the costs of transportation make it impractical. Musk has proposed launching 1 million satellites into space, but Garman remains unconvinced.
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The strategy enters a familiar phase.
Amazon Web Services has over 900 data centers on Earth, and CEO Matt Garman doesn’t see that changing soon. Garman threw cold water on Elon Musk’s plans for space-based data centers, citing transportation costs. Musk’s SpaceX has successfully launched thousands of satellites, but Garman remains skeptical. The cost of launching equipment into space is a major bottleneck, and Garman doesn’t see it becoming viable anytime soon. “I don’t know if you’ve seen a rack of servers lately: They’re heavy.” Garman’s comments highlight the tension between ambition and practicality in the tech industry.
It sounds like someone is trying to ground a rocket.
Author: Evan Null
