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A data center on a ship out in the ocean is orders of magnitude cheaper and orders of magnitude more capable. If we can't demonstrate a solution to the heat pro
by Bjartr 1mo ago
A data center on a ship out in the ocean is orders of magnitude cheaper and orders of magnitude more capable. If we can't demonstrate a solution to the heat problem, in-orbit DCs that contribute meaningful compute are a fantasy and nothing more.
- pfdietz 1mo agoSolar power in space is potentially very cheap; solar on a ship is not. The heat problem has demonstrable solutions that people who are physics challenged can't seem to get themselves to accept.
- malfist 1mo ago> Solar power in space is potentially very cheap Only if you ignore the cost of getting in there
- pfdietz 1mo agoNo, even if you include that. Remember to not commit the mistake of thinking current launch costs are written in stone for all time to come.
- Der_Einzige 1mo agoYou think the heat problem has solutions in space? Good luck! Unfortunately this is a harsh mistress. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stefan%E2%80%93Boltzmann_law https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stefan%E2%80%93Boltzmann_law https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radiative_cooling https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radiative_cooling You don't in fact have viable solutions to this problem when orbital launch prices are above like 100USD per ton, probably needs to be closer to 20USD per ton.
- pfdietz 1mo agoYou confused $/kg with $/ton.
- Der_Einzige 1mo agoSorry, yes.
- aprentic 1mo agoWhat's the solution to the heat problem?
- deleted 1mo ago[deleted]
- pfdietz 1mo agoHeat pumps and radiators. Pumping heat to 2x the absolute temperature reduces the size of the radiator by ideally up to a factor of 8.
- s0ss 1mo agoI choose to accept reality. Until someone can do it, it hasn’t been done. Once that happens, this will cease being vaporware. The bubble is filled with vapors and those who drank the koolaide can’t seem to get themselves to accept.
- pfdietz 1mo agoThis is an attitude that sets one up to be blindsided by developments. It's backward looking, not forward looking.
- ByThyGrace 1mo agoOTOH wave power should potentially be very cheap in the middle of the ocean.
- bryanlarsen 1mo agoSolar power in space is not cheap. It's efficient. A solar panel in space produces 4-10X as much power as one on land. Which would be relevant if solar panels or land were scarce and expensive. Neither are. It's easier and cheaper to put 4-10X the number of panels on land.
- pfdietz 1mo agoWhat part of "potentially" didn't you understand? The critics of space data centers seem to be focused on the immediate instant and downplaying any potential tech improvements.
- scrumper 1mo ago> The heat problem has demonstrable solutions that people who are physics challenged can't seem to get themselves to accept. Go on then, what are they? Demonstrable, you said. Show us some demonstrations please.
- Bjartr 1mo agoI've yet to hear of any solution to the heat problem, only vague handwaves that it will be solved. But it's the single largest and most challenging obstacle (amongst a set of large, challenging obstacles) My searches aren't turning anything up, would you mind sharing what you know about solutions to the heat problem or point me towards a resource if can learn from?