Space-based BTC mining is theoretically possible, but uneconomical for now

Mining Bitcoin with solar power in space is technically possible, but remains economically unviable for now, U.Today analyzed. With Tesla CEO Elon Musk mentioning space data centers on X today, the outlet said solar power generation in space could sharply reduce electricity costs for mining rigs. However, it said the cost of sending equipment into orbit and cooling systems remain major obstacles. Because space is a vacuum, heat cannot be dissipated through air as it is on Earth, meaning separate cooling equipment and radiators would be needed. According to Boston Consulting Group, current launch costs are around $1,500 per kilogram, meaning it would cost about $1.5 million just to send one metric ton of mining equipment into orbit. That excludes the cost of the equipment itself, cooling infrastructure, solar panels, and maintenance. U.Today said space-based mining could become more economical if launch costs fall sharply and mining efficiency and cooling technology improve, but for now, ground-based mining remains the more practical option.