[Pxtl]

Cosmic rays can probably be resolved with some parity bits and redundancy. Especially since these don't have to be located way up in geosynch, lower orbits get you more magnetosphere protection.

Not that it isn't a problem, but I think heat dissipation will have the edge.

[convolvatron]

I worked at the architecture level on designs to mitigate signal corruption inside the asic. I don't remember the exact numbers, and obviously it depends on the design. but you need to add error detection and correction on every path (busses, mixes, registers, function units, etc). the number I seem to recall was a 25% area overhead and a nominal decrease in clock rate. this was for an earth-bound very large machine, so idk if that would be sufficient for space. usually those designs have much larger nodes and much slower clock rates. primarily because of damage caused by ionizing radiation that accumulates over time.

so sure, the heat issue seems fatal, but rad-hard designs will certainly have a bottom line impact

[rbanffy]

You can also place the most sensitive electronics inside a module within the propellant tank. That also should help a lot.

[jrflo]

You're gonna need a lot more than a parity bit.