Thales Alenia Space Advances ASCEND Study for Space-Based Data Centers in European Green Initiative

Thales Alenia Space Advances ASCEND Study for Space-Based Data Centers in European Green Initiative

(IN BRIEF) Thales Alenia Space has announced significant progress in the ASCEND (Advanced Space Cloud for European Net zero emission and Data sovereignty) feasibility study, funded by the European Commission under Horizon Europe. The initiative explores the viability of space-based data centers to support Europe’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Partnering with a consortium of European experts, Thales Alenia Space aims to validate the environmental benefits and technological feasibility of deploying these centers in orbit. Key findings highlight potential reductions in CO2 emissions and the elimination of water cooling needs, crucial for sustainability. The ASCEND project aligns with Europe’s digital sovereignty ambitions and promises substantial economic returns, positioning it as a transformative step towards sustainable data solutions and enhanced technological independence.

(PRESS RELEASE) CANNES, 28-Jun-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Thales Alenia Space has unveiled promising outcomes from the ASCEND (Advanced Space Cloud for European Net zero emission and Data sovereignty) feasibility study, a venture launched in 2023 and funded by the European Commission under Horizon Europe. The initiative aims to explore the feasibility of space-based data centers to advance the EU Green Deal’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, thereby transforming Europe’s digital and space ecosystem.

Coordinated by Thales Alenia Space, the ASCEND study engaged a consortium of European partners with expertise in environmental sustainability (Carbone 4, VITO), cloud computing (Orange Business, CloudFerro, Hewlett Packard Enterprise), launch systems (ArianeGroup), and orbital technologies (German space agency DLR, Airbus Defence & Space, and Thales Alenia Space).

The study focused on comparing the environmental impacts of space-based versus Earth-based data centers and validating the technological feasibility of deploying and operating orbital data centers. Key findings suggest that such space infrastructures could potentially reduce CO2 emissions significantly compared to terrestrial counterparts, with requirements for launchers emitting ten times less over their lifecycle and eliminating the need for water cooling, crucial in times of escalating water scarcity.

The ASCEND project not only aligns with Europe’s digital sovereignty objectives but also forecasts substantial investments under the EU Green Deal framework, possibly prompting the development of a high-capacity, eco-designed, and reusable launcher. Leveraging contributions from ArianeGroup and insights from ESA’s PROTEIN study, ASCEND affirmed the viability of a launcher capable of multiple low-emission launches. Modular space infrastructures, assembled in orbit using robotic technologies from the European Commission’s EROSS IOD program led by Thales Alenia Space, are set to debut in 2026, reaffirming Europe’s leadership in space logistics and large-scale orbital infrastructure assembly.

Christophe Valorge, Chief Technical Officer at Thales Alenia Space, commented, “The ASCEND study results underscore the transformative potential of deploying space-based data centers to enhance Europe’s digital landscape with sustainable and sovereign data hosting solutions. We are committed to advancing Europe’s net-zero goals and reinforcing its technological sovereignty through this innovative initiative.”

Thales Alenia Space and its collaborators plan to further develop and optimize the ASCEND feasibility study’s outcomes, advocating for a paradigm shift within the space sector to achieve the project’s ambitious objectives using accessible technologies.

ABOUT THALES ALENIA SPACE

Drawing on over 40 years of experience and a unique combination of skills, expertise and cultures, Thales Alenia Space delivers cost-effective solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Governments and private industry alike count on Thales Alenia Space to design satellite-based systems that provide anytime, anywhere connections and positioning, monitor our planet, enhance management of its resources, and explore our Solar System and beyond. Thales Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping to build a better, more sustainable life on Earth. A joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space also teams up with Telespazio to form the parent companies’ Space Alliance, which offers a complete range of services. Thales Alenia Space posted consolidated revenues of approximately 2.2 billion euros in 2023 and has around 8,600 employees in 17 sites in 10 countries across Europe and a plant in the USA.

Media Contacts:

Tarik Lahlou
Tel: +33 (0)6 87 95 89 56
tarik.lahlou@thalesaleniaspace.com

Catherine des Arcis
Tel: +33 (0)6 78 64 63 97
catherine.des-arcis@thalesaleniaspace.com

Cinzia Marcanio
Tel: +39 (0)6 41 51 26 85
Cinzia.macanio@thalesaleniaspace.com

SOURCE: Thales