F E A T U R E justifying the development of a highcapacity , eco-designed and reusable launcher . Thanks to ArianeGroup ’ s contribution and analytics from ESA ’ s PROTEIN feasibility study , ASCEND validated the feasibility of a launcher capable of conducting multiple launches while mitigating its carbon footprint .

Modular space infrastructures would be assembled in orbit using robotic technologies from the European Commission ’ s EROSS IOD ( European Robotic Orbital Support Services In Orbit Demonstrator ) led by Thales Alenia Space , scheduled to fly its first mission in 2026 . This would enable Europe to restore its leadership in transportation , space logistics and assembly of large inorbit infrastructures .

Ensuring Europe ’ s digital sovereignty

The ASCEND project could contribute to Europe ’ s digital sovereignty , reducing its digital carbon footprint while ensuring data security for citizens and businesses alike . The market for data centres by 2030 is estimated at 23GW of capacity ; ASCEND aims to deploy 1GW before 2050 . The results of the study also confirm the project ’ s economic viability , offering a prospect of a return on investment of several billion euros between now and 2050 .

“ The results of the ASCEND study confirm that deploying data centres in space could

transform the European digital landscape , offering a more eco-friendly and sovereign solution for hosting and processing data . We ’ re proud to be contributing to an initiative supporting Europe ’ s net zero objectives and strengthening its technological sovereignty ,” said Christophe Valorge , Chief Technical Officer , Thales Alenia Space .

Thales Alenia Space and its partners intend to pursue the ASCEND feasibility study to consolidate and optimise its results . At the same time , a paradigm shift within the space sector is required to accomplish the project ’ s goals , leveraging technologies that are within reach for Europe .

How does Thales Alenia Space envision the role of space-based data centres transforming the European digital ecosystem , and what advantages could they offer over Earth-based data centres ?

Space data centres are not intended to replace all ground-based data centres , but to bring alternatives with specific characteristics , for several applications which would benefit from such a global orbital position . The main advantage of space data centres would be , of course , their lower environmental footprint , which is becoming an increasing concern for terrestrial means . But there are other advantages , as they would be disconnected from the ground energy grid , and with more controlled cybersecurity access . The cooling would also be different , radiating heat in space through heat pump systems , allowing for higher processing density , for example .

Can you elaborate on the key innovations that have emerged from the ASCEND feasibility study , and how will these contribute to the deployment and operation of space-based data centres ?

The ASCEND study showed the only major innovation for such large space infrastructure , as compared to the ISS for example , is that such orbital stations would

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