The moon could be a living data center

In the age of rapid technological progress, the idea of building a data center on the Moon might sound like science fiction. But when paired with biological computing and autonomous systems, this ambitious goal not only becomes possible—it becomes necessary. By using fungi, solar power, and advanced robotics, humanity could create a lunar data center capable of revolutionizing how we store and process information, while pushing the boundaries of what’s achievable in space.

The Moon offers unique advantages as a data hub. Its isolation ensures unmatched security for humanity’s most critical information. With no weather to disrupt operations, a stable environment for bio-computing becomes possible. Fungi, specifically engineered to thrive in lunar conditions, could act as the foundation. Recent research into mycelium networks—the underground structures fungi use to communicate—has shown their potential to process and store information much like a neural network. Unlike silicon chips, fungi can self-repair and grow, offering a scalable and sustainable approach to data infrastructure.

To power such a data center, energy from the Sun could be harvested using an early-stage Dyson sphere—an array of solar collectors orbiting far from the Sun. These collectors would beam energy to the Moon via lasers or microwaves, powering the fungi-based computing systems as they grow. This isn’t as far-fetched as it sounds. Prototypes for space-based solar power already exist, and autonomous robotics are nearing the capability to construct such systems on their own.

A system like this could be deployed in phases. Robots on the Moon would autonomously assemble bioreactors and mycelium-based computing units, while solar collectors make their way toward the Sun to form the Dyson sphere. As the solar array scales up, energy could be beamed to the Moon to support increasingly complex data processing. Data would then be transferred back to Earth via lasers, with precise lenses ensuring continuous connections despite the relative movements of the Moon and Earth.

This off-planet data center isn’t just an engineering marvel—it’s a necessity. Earth-based data centers consume vast amounts of energy and are vulnerable to climate risks. By moving critical storage off-world, we ensure the security of our most essential knowledge while pioneering sustainable, extraterrestrial industries. This vision is grounded in today’s technology, from robotics and synthetic biology to space-based energy systems. It’s not just a moonshot—it’s a practical step toward a resilient, interconnected future.

The time to start is now. By reimagining what’s possible, we can take the first bold step toward building an off-planet infrastructure that safeguards humanity’s future while unlocking new frontiers of innovation.