Starcloud’s claim of deploying a 40 MW space data center in a single 100-ton Starship launch for $8.2 M is infeasible and underestimates both launch numbers and costs.
Solar array deployment requires at least 4–5 Starship launches based on ISS Z-fold and roll-out array benchmarks.
Thermal radiator systems demand 9–16 launches due to their high mass and low packing efficiency, making them the dominant launch requirement.
Server racks alone weigh around 408 tonnes, requiring 4–5 launches to transport 300 Nvidia GB200 NVL72 racks.
Overall, a 40 MW SDC needs 17–22 launches and costs $85–130 M optimistically or $1.7–2.2 B pessimistically.
The whitepaper’s assumed launch cost of $30/kg is erroneous; realistic launch costs are closer to $500–1000/kg, equating to $50–100 M per Starship flight.
Thermal management volume, not server or solar array mass, is the fundamental constraint for large-scale space data centers deployment.
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