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A comment on Starcloud says 1 launch, $8M but ISS tech says 17 launches, $850M+. Parent comment

Re:Starcloud says 1 launch, $8M but ISS tech says 17 launche... by lumost on Friday June 27, 2025 @09:59AM (#44396866)
I suspect the thermal system would look very different from a terrestrial component. Fans and connectors can shake loose - but do nothing in space.

Perhaps the server would be immersed in a thermally conductive resin to avoid parts shaking loose? If the thermals are taken care of by fixed heat pipes and external radiators - non thermally conductive resins could be used.

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Re:Starcloud says 1 launch, $8M but ISS tech says 17 launche... by kevin_thibedeau on Friday June 27, 2025 @04:34PM (#44400012)
Connectors have to survive the extreme vibration of a rocket launch. Parts routinely shake off boards in testing even when using non-COTS space rated packaging designed for extreme environments. That amplifies the cost of everything.

The Russians are the only ones who package their unmanned platform electronics in pressure vessels. Everyone else operates in vacuum, so no fans.

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Re:Starcloud says 1 launch, $8M but ISS tech says 17 launche... by 83 on Friday June 27, 2025 @04:54PM (#44400133)
>>immersed in a thermally conductive resin

sounds heavy

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Re:Starcloud says 1 launch, $8M but ISS tech says 17 launche... by vidarh on Monday June 30, 2025 @02:26PM (#44426364)
The racks mentioned in the analysis are liquid-cooled.
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