Preliminary calculations below indicate The Inforb may consist of Starships as modular datacenters. Each Starship could house a module at 90tonne each, requiring 1MW. Each module is equipped with 3MW of ISS solar array wings totaling 38tonne, and 4tonne 1MW of battery mass.
The additional 60tonne capacity might prove useful for telepresence maintenance robots, spares, and, ultimately, even shirtsleeve environment for human technicians docking with a Dragon module.
The basic idea of the Inforb is that you don’t need to lay fiber in space and that most traffic is not between the human interface and the cloud. Now, I’ll admit that my thinking may be antiquated given the change to video streaming from 2001 when I coined the term Inforb let alone way back in the 80s*. But it would be interesting to see how much bandwidth utilization could be reduced by the simple expedient of video caches in the network with not just Information Centric Networking but doing so with Edge Computing serving as cache for local area distribution, which has been part of the vision for ICN.
* Way back in the 80s I gave a presentation at the Ruben H Fleet Science Center on laser linked GSO datacenters with what nowadays might be called “the last mile fiber” to humans on earth, handled by Ka-band. At the time all I had to go on was a radiation hardened version of CDC’s spinoff, ETA’s attempt to beat Cray, but I’d done the work at CDC’s benchmark labs to verify the market potential hence economics of at least providing the mass-market version of the PLATO network I’d been promoting.
how much does a modular data center weigh?
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The weight of a modular data center can vary depending on its size, configuration, and the specific equipment installed within it. A modular data center typically consists of pre-fabricated modules or containers that house servers, storage devices, cooling systems, power distribution units, and other necessary infrastructure components.
On average, a modular data center module or container can weigh anywhere from a few tons to several tens of tons. Smaller modules may weigh around 10 to 20 tons, while larger ones can reach 50 tons or more.
It’s important to note that the weight of a modular data center does not include the weight of the servers and other IT equipment housed inside it. The weight of the data center infrastructure itself primarily includes the structural components, cooling systems, electrical systems, and any other supporting equipment.
how much power does a modular data center consume?
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The power consumption of a modular data center can vary significantly depending on several factors such as the size of the facility, the type and density of the IT equipment installed, the cooling requirements, and the overall design efficiency.
Modular data centers are designed to be energy-efficient, and newer models often incorporate advanced technologies to optimize power usage. However, it’s challenging to provide an exact figure without specific details about the data center in question.
On average, a modular data center can consume anywhere from a few hundred kilowatts (kW) to several megawatts (MW) of power. Larger data centers with higher equipment densities and more extensive computing capabilities will naturally require more power.
It’s worth noting that power consumption in data centers is not solely determined by the IT equipment. Cooling systems, power distribution units, lighting, and other auxiliary equipment also contribute to the overall power usage. Moreover, data centers typically have varying power requirements during different operational phases, such as normal operation, peak load, or standby mode.
To accurately determine the power consumption of a specific modular data center, it is essential to consult the manufacturer’s specifications or consult with an expert who can assess the facility’s design and provide accurate power consumption estimates.
what is the estimated payload capacity of a spacex starship
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The SpaceX Starship, also known as the Starship vehicle or Starship spacecraft, is a fully reusable spacecraft designed for a variety of missions, including crewed space exploration, satellite deployment, and potential future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
The estimated payload capacity of the Starship has evolved over time as the design has undergone updates and refinements. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, SpaceX had indicated that the Starship’s payload capacity to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) could be up to 150 metric tons (330,000 pounds). It’s important to note that this estimate is subject to change as SpaceX continues to develop and test the Starship.
It’s worth mentioning that the Starship’s payload capacity can vary depending on the mission profile, destination, and other factors. For example, if the mission involves sending cargo or crew to the Moon or Mars, the payload capacity to those destinations would be lower due to the additional fuel and resources required for the journey.
For the most up-to-date and accurate information on the payload capacity of the SpaceX Starship, it’s recommended to refer to official SpaceX announcements, specifications, or consult SpaceX directly.
what is the mass of an ISS solar array wing
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The mass of an International Space Station (ISS) solar array wing, also known as a solar panel, depends on the specific type and model of the solar array used.
As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the ISS primarily uses two types of solar arrays: the older Solar Array Wings (SAWs) and the newer Roll-Out Solar Arrays (ROSAs). Here are the estimated masses for these solar arrays:
- Solar Array Wings (SAWs): Each SAW on the ISS consists of two solar panels that span approximately 34 meters (112 feet) in length. The SAWs have an estimated mass of around 450 kilograms (990 pounds) each.
- Roll-Out Solar Arrays (ROSAs): The ROSAs are newer, lighter, and more compact solar arrays designed to be more efficient and easier to deploy. The ROSAs are made up of flexible blankets that can be extended to capture sunlight. The estimated mass of a ROSA solar array is approximately 250 kilograms (550 pounds).
It’s important to note that these figures are approximate and may vary depending on the specific version and configuration of the solar arrays used on the ISS. The actual mass of a solar array wing can also be influenced by the supporting structures, electrical components, deployment mechanisms, and any additional equipment associated with the solar array system.
how much power does it generate while in full sunlight in LEO
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The power generation of a solar array on the International Space Station (ISS) can vary depending on factors such as the specific solar array model, its age, efficiency, and the angle at which it is exposed to sunlight. However, I can provide you with some general information about the power generation capabilities of the ISS solar arrays.
The ISS uses a combination of older Solar Array Wings (SAWs) and newer Roll-Out Solar Arrays (ROSAs) to generate electrical power from sunlight. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the SAWs were rated to provide up to approximately 32.8 kilowatts (kW) of power, while each ROSA was designed to produce around 20 to 25 kW.
These power ratings represent the maximum generation capacity of the solar arrays under optimal conditions, meaning direct exposure to sunlight at the ideal angle. However, it’s important to note that the actual power generation can be influenced by factors such as orbital variations, shading by other ISS components, degradation over time, and power losses in the electrical system.
Furthermore, the ISS operates at an altitude of about 400 kilometers (250 miles) above Earth’s surface, which means it experiences orbital periods of both daylight and darkness. During the orbital night or periods of Earth’s shadow, the ISS relies on stored electrical power in batteries.
It’s worth noting that the ISS power system is designed to support the station’s operational needs, including life support, scientific experiments, communications, and other systems, while also charging the batteries for use during orbital night. The power generation capacity of the ISS solar arrays allows for these various demands while maintaining the station’s power requirements.