In a move that feels reminiscent of science fiction, Lonestar Data Holdings is boldly pursuing plans to establish data centres on the Moon. The company's president, Stephen Eisele, believes that these lunar centres could provide unparalleled security for data storage. Recently, Lonestar successfully tested a compact data centre, about the size of a hardback book, which was sent to the Moon aboard the Athena Lunar Lander, part of a mission coordinated by Intuitive Machines, launched with the help of SpaceX.
Data centres are essential facilities that house computers responsible for storing and processing vast amounts of data for websites, corporations, and government operations. Lonestar envisions that a Moon-based setup would not only ensure reliable data processing but also harness abundant solar energy for operations.
The idea is gaining traction as the global demand for data storage escalates—primarily driven by the rise of artificial intelligence—leading to an expected annual growth rate of 19% to 22% in data centre demand by 2030, according to consulting firm McKinsey. The quest for new data centre locations is becoming increasingly challenging as public opposition to their environmental impacts grows.
By relocating data centres to space, the theory suggests that harmful effects could be mitigated. The unlimited solar power available in orbit, coupled with the absence of nearby residents, could address some environmental concerns. Additionally, these facilities could cater to the needs of spacecrafts and facilitate faster space-to-space data transfers.
A recently conducted feasibility study by Thales Alenia Space, backed by the European Commission, supports the viability of orbital data centres, indicating they could reinvent the European digital landscape in an eco-friendlier manner. This report advocates for a constellation of satellites with enough processing power to rival medium-sized terrestrial data centres.
However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. Dr. Domenico Vicinanza, an expert at Anglia Ruskin University, points to the high costs of launching materials into space, along with the complexities of maintaining infrastructure in such an environment. Cooling systems, in particular, would present unique difficulties in low-gravity conditions, and the constant risk posed by space debris complicates matters further.
Despite these challenges, companies like Lonestar are undeterred. According to Eisele, the push for off-Earth data centres is being driven by customer demand, with plans to launch a lunar data centre by 2027. Other companies, such as Starcloud from Washington state, are racing to develop satellite-based data centres, with plans for operational deployment by mid-2026.
Eisele emphasizes the added security benefits of a space-based model, noting that direct data transmission from these facilities—shielded from terrestrial networks—provides an additional layer of protection. With initial clients including governmental bodies from Florida and the Isle of Man, the ambition for lunar data centres is set to soar, potentially reshaping global data management practices in the coming years.
