# Space Habitat Data Centers--For Future Computing
## 2 Background
For example, the size of the space-based edge-computing platform is not noted to increase with the number of launched and in-orbit satellites. An increase in the number of launched satellites can overwhelm the computing capacity of the computing nodes in the space edge computing network. The use of multiple edge computing platforms with increased computing resources is suitable and beneficial to address such a challenge. However, the use of multiple space-based edge-computing platforms has the potential drawback of increased overhead arising due to the need to execute additional and required potential network coordination. The use of space-based data centres with increased computational resources is suitable in this regard. In addition, the siting of data centres in space is beneficial because of the low dependence on Earth's water resources, thereby enabling the realization of zero WUE. There has been an increasing maturation of space technology leading to more emerging applications. This has led to increased activity in space exploration and colonization via space vehicles and space habitats. Space technologies find applications in planetary science and space colonization. Space colonization has received attention from private organizations interested in commercializing space. [PERSON] (1983) recognizes that the use of space houses (realizable via space habitats) is required for Mars exploration. [PERSON] et al. (2018) recognize the role of space habitats in missions such as asteroid retrieval, access and deep space missions. Space vehicles also have varying capabilities depending on crew size and scientific payload. Space habitat design concepts are derivable from international space station and space launch system design perspectives. Concepts from these perspectives ultimately aim to provide a comfortable living space in orbit. The suitability of space habitats for deep space exploration is considered in [PERSON] et al. (2018). The use of space habitat is proposed for asteroid retrieval, lunar and Martian vehicle servicing, and deep-space operation missions. The discussion here does not consider the suitability of space habitats or other space technologies to enable the execution of computing-related applications in space. The potential of space habitat technologies for computing applications has not been considered. [PERSON] et al. (2018) identify the knowledge gaps required for space habitat design. The presence of an autonomous communication system aboard space habitats is deemed to be of medium priority. However, the discussion in [PERSON] et al. (2018) does not present space habitat network architecture. Instead, the focus of [PERSON] et al. (2018) is on the launch and radiation aspects of space vehicle design. The study by [PERSON] et al. (2018) describes how habitat modules can be aggregated in realizing the deep space gateway. The large volume enclosed in the space habitat is used as a research facility to support deep space science related research and technology development. These applications focus on realizing space mining. However, other possible applications are not considered. [PERSON] (2018) discusses the application of space habitats in Mars exploration aiming at addressing the Earth-based challenge of energy security via lunar solar energy conversion. [PERSON] et al. (2018) propose reusing space habitat technologies to realize solutions that address Earth's challenges. This is suitable because space stations are designed to operate in a harsh environment. The discussion in this regard shows that the advances in space technology enables the realization of solutions that play a significant role in developing novel and sustainable solutions that address Earth-based challenges. Space applications aim to leverage on space for human benefit ([PERSON], 2018; [PERSON], 2018; [PERSON], 2018).