infrastructureScore 55/100Research
Planet Labs solving data center power problem through space-based solar in sun-synchronous orbits, achieving 5x more power per panel without battery burden and eliminating grid capacity constraints
Will Marshall· Planet Labs· Space· 2026-05-11· about Planet Labs, Google (PL, GOOGL)
“In space, you just don't need that. Your solar panel can be in a sun synchronous dawn dusk orbit where it's in permanent sunlight. That means you get five times more power because of the absorption of the atmosphere... you don't have to carry batteries or anything else because it's always in the sun.”
Why it matters
Terrestrial data center expansion is constrained by grid power limitations and cooling requirements. Space-based compute eliminates these bottlenecks, making it economically viable within 10 years at current launch cost trajectories.
Investment implication
As terrestrial power infrastructure fails to keep pace with AI data center demand, space-based alternatives become essential. Companies supplying space-grade solar panels, thermal systems, and launch services will see accelerated capex.