NASA chief floats orbital data centers to sidestep local backlash

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman proposed placing data centers in Earth orbit, arguing they could be powered by solar energy and help the U.S. win the AI race. The suggestion comes amid growing public opposition to data centers over cost and environmental concerns, with some politicians distancing themselves from the industry. Isaacman previously floated the idea in August, noting that space-based facilities would require solar panels the size of several football fields.