Nvidia is showcasing a version of Vera Rubin hardware for use in space and dreaming of extraterrestrial data centers, although it is still searching for a solution to a fundamental problem.
It has become clear that Nvidia wants to be ubiquitous. Earth is not enough for CEO Jensen Huang, who is introducing the Nvidia Space-1 Vera Rubin module at his GTC conference in the US. This is a version of his latest hardware, featuring a Vera CPU and Rubin GPU, suitable for use in space.
Huang is dreaming out loud of data centers in orbit and autonomous systems in space. Nvidia then points to the capabilities of Vera Rubin. The module is said to be up to 25 times more powerful for ‘space-based’ inference.
Nvidia says it already has several space startups in its sights that are interested in launching powerful AI systems into space. The dream of the ultimate solar-powered edge data centers is shared by many. Google is also investigating it.
Heat problem
There is just one problem: Huang indicates that Nvidia has not yet figured out how it will cool the Vera Rubin module. This is no small detail: building hardware that works in space is not an impossible challenge in itself. HP already demonstrated with its Spaceborne Computer on the ISS that robust hardware made for terrestrial use also functions perfectly well in extraterrestrial environments.
However, Vera Rubin is a capable system that generates significant heat, and you can’t just get rid of that heat in space. There is no atmosphere to release heat into, and evaporation is completely out of the question. The only way to get heat out of a system in space is through inefficient (infrared) radiation. Take a look at a photo of the ISS and notice the large brown rectangles: those are not solar panels, but immense radiators.
Not yet ready for space
Cooling is one of the most significant challenges for systems that must function in space. Without adequate cooling, a system will eventually become completely overheated. Until there is a solution for this, it’s hard to call the hardware truly space-ready.
Huang indicates that Nvidia’s best engineers are currently working on the problem. As long as this challenge remains unsolved, Vera Rubin-based extraterrestrial data centers remain primarily a dream.