# Space Habitat Data Centers--For Future Computing
## 2 Background
The emergence of several mega-constellation projects such as SpaceX's satellite mega-constellation, OneWeb satellite mega-constellation, Telesat mega-constellation, and the Amazon Kuiper mega-constellation are recognized applications that exploit space for wireless communications is recognized by [PERSON] et al. (2018). The applications in references ([PERSON], 2018; [PERSON], 2018; [PERSON], 2018) exploit space technologies to realize space commercialization ([PERSON], 2018; [PERSON], 2018; [PERSON], 2018) and space continental initiatives ([PERSON], 2018). [PERSON] ([PERSON], 2018) recognizes increasing private sector role in space commercialization. The discussion in [PERSON] ([PERSON], 2018) identifies and addresses regulatory space commercialization challenges. Current efforts in space commercialization largely target communications and Earth observations ([PERSON], 2018; [PERSON], 2018). [PERSON] et al. (2018) examine space commercialization from the perspective of hosting more applications besides Earth observations and communications. In addition, [PERSON] et al. (2018) note the increasing private sector in space supply provision and space mining. The applications in [PERSON] et al. (2018) exclude scientific experiments that focus on deriving knowledge from space related activities ([PERSON], 2018; [PERSON], 2018). The increasing deployment of terrestrial cloud platforms is expected to process space data and support access to multi-media content and cloud services for wireless subscribers. This requires installing more high-water footprint terrestrial data centres. A high-water footprint reduces water availability for other applications. Data centres can be sited in locations like the stratosphere to reduce the water footprint. However, the siting of data centres in the stratosphere poses interference risks to radio astronomy. Such interference is similar to that posed by mega-constellation satellite networks [38; 39; 40; 41]. The realization of a space habitat computing platform does not pose interference risks to radio astronomy. [PERSON] [42] considers leveraging on the outer space environment aided by a nitrogen-filled pod for realizing cooling and eliminating explosion hazards. The use of nitrogen has high costs. Moreover, the production of the nitrogen in [PERSON] [42] requires using Earth's resources. The use of computing platforms also enhances satellite data processing. Intelligent satellites are suitable as space edge-computing nodes [43; 44] that reduce satellite to computing platform transmission latency. [PERSON] et al. [19] describes capabilities enabling the use of satellites as edge nodes. The intelligent satellite is used in edge computing to realize low latency data processing in satellite internet of things. The shift to space of edge nodes reduces the long-term reliance on Earth's resources. However, this perspective is not considered by [PERSON] et al. [19]. [PERSON] et al. [43] propose a novel network that incorporates edge computing in geostationary networks. The space edge node is a geostationary satellite. [PERSON] et al. [44] propose the orbital edge-computing paradigm. Orbital edge computing proposes collocating sophisticated processing hardware along with sensors in small satellites. The discussion in [PERSON] et al. [44] differentiates between cloud computing and edge nodes and recognizes that cloud platforms require backhaul network access. The discussion in reference [42; 43; 44] notes that siting data centres in space is appealing to computing. Research in reference [16; 19; 43; 44] describes strategies explaining how edge computing enhances satellite network applications. An alternative approach to accessing computing resources by space assets is presented by [PERSON] et al. [45]. [PERSON] et al. [45] propose using space vehicle's idle computing resources by satellites for data processing. Space vehicles with idle computing resources constitute the space computing platform.