Elon Musk is taking a bold step toward the future of computing by proposing orbital AI data centers. On Friday, SpaceX filed plans with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for a network of potentially a million satellites, designed to host data centers in orbit. While some initially thought this was a publicity stunt, the subsequent merger of SpaceX with Musk’s AI venture, xAI, signals that the plan is serious and strategically integrated.
The FCC has accepted the filing and opened a public comment period, a standard procedure, but it drew extra attention when Chairman Brendan Carr shared the filing publicly. Musk’s approach combines space and AI infrastructure in a way that could redefine how data centers operate, leveraging the advantages of orbit while bypassing some limitations of terrestrial facilities.
Musk elaborated on the concept during a recent episode of Patrick Collison’s podcast “Cheeky Pint.” He emphasized that solar panels produce significantly more energy in space than on Earth, which could lower one of the major operating costs of data centers. “It’s harder to scale on the ground than it is to scale in space,” Musk said. Despite skepticism about maintenance and other expenses, he believes that orbital data centers could become economically viable by 2028.
Predicting the long-term trajectory, Musk said, “Five years from now, my prediction is we will launch and be operating more AI in space than the cumulative total on Earth.” With global data center capacity expected to reach 200 GW by 2030—equivalent to roughly a trillion dollars in infrastructure—the financial and technological stakes for orbital computing are significant.
SpaceX stands to benefit directly from the plan, especially with the SpaceX-xAI merger now headed toward an IPO. As tech companies continue to pour hundreds of billions into data centers each year, Musk’s vision could shift a portion of that investment off-planet. If successful, orbital AI data centers may mark the next frontier in computing, combining space exploration with artificial intelligence in an unprecedented way.
source: techcrunch