A Florida tech company has tested the first data server on the Moon, aiming to change how we store and protect digital information. Lonestar Data Holdings says placing data centers in space will offer stronger security and access to endless solar power. In February, the firm confirmed its test device worked successfully after being delivered to the Moon by a SpaceX rocket. As demand for data storage rises globally, supporters see space as the next frontier—while critics warn of serious technical and financial challenges.
Space Technology Aims for Ultra-Secure Data Storage
Stephen Eisele, President of Lonestar Data Holdings, believes moving data storage to space could bring unmatched security benefits.
“We see unique security advantages in hosting data centers outside Earth,” Eisele said, highlighting how space avoids many of the risks present on the ground.
The company tested a small server on the Moon earlier this year. The device, about the size of a book, traveled aboard the Athena Lunar Lander from Intuitive Machines. The lander itself was launched on a rocket provided by Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
Data centers are buildings full of computers that manage, store, and process massive amounts of digital information. Lonestar believes space-based systems could run more efficiently using solar energy, while also staying isolated from Earth-based threats.
Soaring Demand Pushes Innovation Beyond Earth
The global need for more data storage is growing rapidly. According to a McKinsey report, demand could increase by up to 22% every year until 2030.
This rise is largely driven by artificial intelligence and other data-heavy technologies. As a result, companies are racing to build more centers. But they face a big problem: space on Earth is running out.
Data centers require lots of land, electricity, and water—especially to keep their machines cool. Communities around the world are now pushing back, citing environmental concerns and high energy use.
That’s why some are looking up. In space, there’s no shortage of sunlight. There are no neighbors to disturb. And satellites could send data directly to orbiting servers for faster space-to-space communication.
Europe Invests in Orbital Data Infrastructure
Europe is also getting involved. In 2023, the European Commission funded a study to explore data centers in Earth’s orbit.
The Ascend project, led by aerospace firm Thales Alenia Space, delivered promising ideas. Their plan involves 13 satellites forming a data network about 200 meters long and 80 meters wide. This setup would generate about 10 megawatts of power—enough to support 5,000 servers.
The team believes this is possible using current or near-future technologies. The challenge is scaling up.
Damien Dumestier, the project’s lead architect, says new “green” rockets are essential to keep emissions low.
“To achieve commercial benefits from scale, we’d need about 200 large infrastructures and 200 launches,” Dumestier explained. “This could realistically happen between 2030 and 2035.”
Challenges of Building Data Hubs in Space
Despite the excitement, experts warn of big challenges.
Dr. Domenico Vicinanza from Anglia Ruskin University says costs remain a major issue. “Every kilo costs thousands to send into orbit,” he noted. That makes building and maintaining space centers very expensive.
Cooling is another problem. On Earth, we use fans, air, and water. But in space, where there’s no gravity, heat can’t move in the same way. New solutions are needed to prevent overheating.
Space also presents risks from radiation, debris, and solar flares. Damaged equipment may need repairs, but sending people for maintenance is costly and time-consuming.
“Automation can help, but human missions might still be needed, which can delay service recovery,” Dr. Vicinanza added.
Industry Optimism Grows as Launches Continue
Still, Lonestar remains confident. The company says interest from governments and private clients keeps growing.
“If clients weren’t requesting these services, we wouldn’t pursue them,” said Lonestar executive Mr. Scott.
The firm plans to launch a small orbiting system by 2027. Meanwhile, Washington-based rival Starcloud hopes to send its first satellite into space next month, with commercial use beginning in 2026.
Eisele claims that space offers a safer option by keeping data off traditional networks. Information would beam directly to secure ground stations.
“It’s like storing valuables in a bank’s deepest vault,” he said. “You rarely access it, but it’s safer.”
A 1.5-second delay in Moon-to-Earth communication makes these systems ideal for storing important but rarely used data.
Legal Control and Sovereign Protection
Lonestar’s CEO, Chris Stott, says these centers also help countries follow local data laws.
Under international space law, the nation that launches a space object controls its legal status. That means a data center launched by a country becomes like an embassy—an extension of national sovereignty.
So far, Lonestar says it has already partnered with the state of Florida and the Isle of Man.
As the industry grows, the question remains: will space become the new home for our most valuable digital assets?