Thread

1. fwlr · 1790297624 · focus · HN ↗

   Yes, the physics are worse, and yes, the economics are worse, but data centers in space have the crucial advantage that they are out of range of the molotov-throwing arm of Joe Public (recently unemployed).

   1. octoberfranklin · 1790300604 · focus · HN ↗

      I dunno, considering how various insurgent groups manage to make some reasonably impressive rocketry, I have to believe that in a few years with AI assistance (abliterate all the things) knocking a LEO satellite out of orbit won't be that much harder than sabotaging an electrical substation.

      We're talking about an exceptionally vulnerable target with a perfectly predictable path of travel here. And it's constantly emitting lots of RF making it easy to track. You just have to get near it and explode with shrapnel.

      Totally illegal, of course. But it will be within the reach of millions of people if they want to do it.

      I don't think "just move to space bro" is going to stop the pitchfork-mob.

      1. red75prime · 1790325073 · focus · HN ↗

         Polluting LEO with debris is not the way to solve the problem of goods distribution. But, sure, there will be morons who consider it.

         1. impossiblefork · 1790339832 · focus · HN ↗

            That sounds way too categorical.

            It's not like people actually need satellites. We already have ground-based communication in the form of mobile phone networks etc., so I don't think the harm of making LEO unusable would be very great.

            1. red75prime · 1790349834 · focus · HN ↗

               I don't see why I shouldn't call people who choose wrong dangerous tools for the task morons.
            2. NetMageSCW · 1790370463 · focus · HN ↗

               I suggest talking to people in Ukraine or Africa or even rural US or Europe before you so blithely take away their access to healthcare, education and communication.

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