Data storage and resilience companies Lonestar and Phison have launched a new data center infrastructure onboard SpaceX rockets. Utilizing Phison’s Pascari Storage Solid State Drives (SSDs), they plan to send their technology on a Falcon 9 rocket scheduled for March 4.
Lonestar’s CEO, Chris Stott, originated the concept of a space data center in 2018, prior to the current surge in data center demand driven by AI. He emphasized the importance of data, likening it to “new oil,” and highlighted the advantages of space-based storage, which is insulated from climate disasters and cyber threats.
Lonestar partnered with Phison, which has experience in space technology, having previously supplied storage solutions for NASA’s Perseverance Rover. The SSDs, designed for the rigors of space, were rigorously tested prior to launch to ensure reliability, as on-site repairs in space are not feasible.
The recent launch included diverse customer data for disaster recovery and space agency projects, reflecting the growing interest in space-based data solutions. Lonestar aims to collaborate with satellite manufacturer Sidus Space to deploy six more data storage spacecraft between 2027 and 2030.
As the demand for hardware continues to rise, more companies are exploring the potential of space-based storage solutions. Another competitor, Lumen Orbit, recently rebranded as StarCloud after raising over $21 million in funding, highlighting the increasing activity in this innovative field. Stott noted the impressive advancements in technology since the Apollo era, participating in a mission that involves significantly greater storage capacity and capabilities.
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