Data Centers in Space - with Nicholas Thompson and Ariel Ekblaw

Data Centers in Space - with Nicholas Thompson and Ariel Ekblaw

Author: Atlantic Re:think April 22, 2026 Duration: 39:35
AI needs data centers, and those data centers need energy and cooling. Recently, one proposal has captured the popular imagination: put data centers in space, where there’s ample solar energy and naturally cool surroundings. But things aren’t quite that simple, says space architect Ariel Ekblaw of the Aurelia Institute. On this episode of The Most Interesting Thing in AI, Ekblaw talks with The Atlantic CEO Nicholas Thompson about the possibilities for building structures in space, the innovative designs coming out of the Aurelia Institute, and why data centers in space are a good idea… for certain billionaires.  Produced in collaboration with PwC. (00:00) Introduction (02:22) What is a space architect?  (04:45) How does someone become a space architect? (07:39) How do "space Magna-Tiles" work? (11:00) Why build in space? (12:45) Will we have chatbots in space? (15:00) How space will change robotics (16:56) Why would anyone want to live in space?  (19:55) Will we actually go to space soon?  (20:49) Artificial gravity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nicholas Thompson sits down with some of the sharpest minds working at the edges of artificial intelligence in The Most Interesting Thing in A.I.. This isn't a dry technical briefing or a series of speculative futures; instead, each conversation digs into the tangible, often surprising ways this technology is already altering the fabric of our daily lives and institutions. You'll hear from leading thinkers who cut through the hype to discuss the real ethical dilemmas, economic shifts, and social transformations unfolding right now. Produced by Atlantic Re:think and PwC, the podcast provides a grounded space to explore questions about creativity, power, work, and truth in an age of intelligent machines. The discussions are built on the premise that understanding AI's impact requires looking beyond code and algorithms to consider human values and consequences. Tune in for thoughtful, accessible dialogues that reframe how we think about one of the most significant forces of our time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 41

The Most Interesting Thing in AI
Podcast Episodes
The Case Against the AI Bubble - Azeem Azhar with Nicholas Thompson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:15
Among the many eye-popping numbers of the AI industry—from trillions in investments to billions in spending—one stands out: $0 in profit among leading AI companies. According to Bloomberg, “never before has so much money…
The Race to Superintelligence - Richard Socher with Nicholas Thompson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:45
As AI’s capabilities improve, reports of “rogue” agents and misaligned systems are becoming more frequent. In response, some activists, academics, and politicians have called for a pause in development, warning of the da…
How to Get Hired in the AI Era - Clara Shih with Nicholas Thompson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:43
For years, tech CEOs have promised that AI will take on the menial, repetitive tasks that have long been a part of office life. Typically, those tasks are assigned to younger, less experienced workers—and poll after poll…
Meta's Plan to Win in AI - Andrew Bosworth with Nicholas Thompson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:58
However you feel about Meta, Andrew Bosworth has likely played a part in it. The long-serving right hand to Mark Zuckerberg and current Chief Technology Officer, “Boz” has helped shape almost every stage of the company’s…