Testimonies

Carbone 4

The comparative analysis carried out by Carbone 4 as part of the ASCEND project aimed to determine what the characteristics of a space launcher should be to make the “data center in space” (SDC) scenario less emitting from carbon point of view than the “terrestrial data center” (TDC) option.

The first part of the analysis first made it possible to assess that more than 70% of the carbon footprint of the SDC would come from the launchers (covering emissions linked to the production of the vehicles and the production of fuels as well as emissions produced during launch) with current solutions.

Below, the details of the results:

 

The second part of the analysis made it possible to determine that the carbon benefit of the SDC (compared to the TDC) was subject to a real feat on the part of the European space sector, in particular to succeed in offering the lowest-carbon launcher in the world.

Indeed, the results of our study indicate that data centers in space become more interesting than terrestrial data centers if and only if the launcher can be reusable and that it emits less than 370 kgCO2/kg of payload on average over its entire lifespan.

Finally, the last part of our analysis sought to highlight several limits surrounding the results of the work Carbone 4 carried out and which are important to remember:

• The analysis does not take into account emissions in the upper atmosphere, and in particular warming dynamics between the stratosphere and the troposphere
• The analysis did not make it possible to investigate the possible rebound effects of the SDC, and in particular the growth in the use of data that this technology could induce by facilitating access to it.
• A gray area also remains on the environmental footprint of the mineral raw materials (copper, nickel, cobalt, rare earths, etc.) necessary for the SDC

Let us remember, however, that such a project must not obscure a cardinal principle in the smooth running of the transition: that of sobriety. Also, this project will only be relevant if it aims to ensure an exchange of necessary and critical data for human societies, and not if it aims to transpose into space all digital uses today. ‘artwork. Indeed, beyond the climate, it is the entire environmental and social footprint (water, air and biodiversity pollution, human cost generated by mining activity) of the space and digital sectors. that we must question (and reduce!) through such a project.