Jeff Bezos envisions space-based data centres within two decades

The Amazon founder believes space-based data centres could outperform Earth-based ones in performance and cost, thanks to uninterrupted 24/7 solar energy in orbit, free from clouds, weather disruptions, and other atmospheric limitations

Amazon founder and executive chair Jeff Bezos has predicted that gigawatt-scale data centres will be constructed in space within the next 10 to 20 years. Speaking at Italian Tech Week in Turin during a conversation with Ferrari and Stellantis Chairman John Elkann, Bezos highlighted the potential advantages of building digital infrastructure in orbit, driven by the rising global demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing services.

Bezos believes that space-based data centres could eventually surpass Earth-based ones in performance and cost-efficiency, primarily due to the abundance of continuous solar energy available in orbit. “We will have access to 24/7 solar power with no clouds, no rain, and no atmospheric disturbances,” he noted. “Over time, these facilities could outperform terrestrial centres both technically and economically.”

Rising demand for energy and innovation

As AI adoption grows across industries, the energy required to power and cool massive server farms is increasing rapidly. Traditional data centres on Earth consume significant amounts of electricity and water, leading to growing concerns over environmental impact and operational costs.

Bezos described the shift to space infrastructure as a natural evolution of how humanity already uses space to enhance life on Earth. “We’ve already seen it with weather and communication satellites. The next step will be data centres and, eventually, space-based manufacturing,” he said.

Challenges remain despite promise

Despite the ambitious vision, the concept of orbital data centres faces notable hurdles. High launch costs, complex maintenance, limited upgrade options, and risks associated with rocket failures pose significant challenges. However, interest among major tech firms in space-based computing is growing, driven by the long-term benefits of sustainable, uninterrupted power and the ability to house large-scale AI training systems.

Bezos' remarks reflect a broader trend among technology leaders looking to space not just as a frontier for exploration, but as a practical solution for the Earth’s mounting technological and environmental pressures.