Space-based data centres are attracting growing attention as a potential next step in the evolution of both the space and digital economies. But beyond the headlines, how viable are they really?
The discussion will take a closer look at the challenges that need to be overcome before space-based data centres can become a meaningful commercial reality. Rather than focusing solely on the promise of the concept, Ian Carnelli will help us separate the opportunities from the hype and examine where the most significant technical, economic and policy barriers remain.
Ian Carnelli is the Head of Systems Department at the European Space Agency where he is overseeing end-to-end systems engineering, space systems and AIT, in-orbit technology demonstrations, and cutting-edge domains like AI and advanced simulations. He joined ESA in 2005 as part of the Advanced Concepts Team. Throughout his career, he has led pioneering mission concepts to asteroids, playing a key role in establishing ESA’s planetary defence programme. As General Studies Programme Manager, he shaped future missions across all space domains, supporting critical enabling technologies and payloads. Since 2019, Ian has led the Hera planetary defence mission—launched in 2024 in collaboration with NASA’s DART—to validate asteroid deflection techniques.
📅 Date: 04.09.2026
🕐 Time: 13:00 CEST
📍 Location: MS Teams
🎙️ Speaker: Ian Carnelli
💬 Topic: Demystifying Space-Based Data Centres
The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session with him.
Join the ECSECO network to participate!
