To the editor Oct. 23, 2026

Can Project Jupiter keep up?

The problem with all the shifting ground beneath the Jupiter Project in Dona Ana County is that, when it is finally operational, it will already be obsolete.

That is why major funders of data centers are either backing away completely or demanding of backers of such systems terms which characterize their funding as "junk" to the investment community.

Just this month, the "Roadrunner Quantum Lab" broke ground in Albuquerque. It is unclear whether existing or planned data centers will be suitable for Quantum requirements when the "bugs" in this technology (essentially a higher than acceptable error rate) are finally worked out.

The heart of a Quantum data center would fit in the space similar to that of a small delivery van. The "catch" is that the Quantum processor requires a temperature kept to nearly absolute zero, freedom from vibration, and extremely clean power--but in a miniscule amount compared to that of less capable data centers of today.

Naturally, to keep the cabinet containing the quantum processor to the required temperature requires a lot of energy for cooling — similar to that of a small office building--rather than that of multiple cities required by today's data centers.

Also, since conversion of incoming data to Quantum and the reverse process, Quantum to formats usable to the external world is necessary, a small data center is required with tolerable levels of external power and cooling.

Sadly, the Jupiter project seems to be unlikely to support conversion to Quantum when that becomes necessary.

Are there going to be any bidders for such an obsolete facility? Where are the funds for repurposing the site going to come from?

Dan Townsend

Las Cruces