Data Centers in Space: Philip Johnston with Scott Hartley

Episode 58 of Venture Everywhere is hosted by Scott Hartley, Co-founder and MP of Everywhere Ventures talks with Philip Johnston, CEO of Lumen Orbit, a company that aims to deploy hyperscale data centers in space powered by solar energy and passive cooling. Philip shares his journey from academia and consulting to founding Lumen Orbit, driving a new era of orbital computing amid falling space launch costs. Scott and Philip also discuss the future of AI in space-based computing and the broader impact of shifting data infrastructure toward an off-world economy.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How Lumen Orbit is capitalizing on lower launch costs due to SpaceX.
• Lumen Orbit’s aim to build a self-sustaining space economy powered by Dyson sphere computing.
• Addressing power and mass constraints for large-scale orbital data centers.
• Developing deployable radiators for thermal regulation in space.
• Mitigating potential risks like space debris and nefarious cyber threats.
• Driving innovation in low-cost, high-energy space applications.
• Balancing private investment with non-dilutive funding sources (government grants, defense contracts).

Learn more about Philip Johnston | Lumen Orbit

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnstonphilip/ 

Twitter (X): https://x.com/johnstonphil 

Website: https://www.lumenorbit.com/ 

Learn more about Scott Hartley | Everywhere VC

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scotthartley/

Website: https://everywhere.vc/