SpaceX Wants to Launch 1 Million Satellites for AI Computing in Space

TLDR

• SpaceX filed with the FCC to launch up to 1 million satellites that would work as orbital data centers for AI applications
• The satellites would use solar power and eliminate environmental costs of traditional ground-based data centers
• The project is much larger than SpaceX’s current Starlink network of 9,600 satellites
• SpaceX may merge with Elon Musk’s xAI before a potential IPO that could raise $50 billion
• The FCC has historically approved only a fraction of SpaceX’s satellite requests due to regulatory and orbital debris concerns

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SpaceX filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission on Friday requesting approval for a constellation of up to 1 million satellites. The satellites would function as orbital data centers designed to power artificial intelligence applications.

The eight-page filing describes the project as satellites with unprecedented computing capacity. They would support advanced AI models and related applications.

Solar-Powered Computing in Orbit

The satellites would harness solar power directly in space. This approach eliminates many operating and maintenance costs associated with traditional data centers.

SpaceX stated the system would achieve transformative cost and energy efficiency. The company also highlighted reduced environmental impact compared to ground-based data centers.

The filing connected the project to becoming a Kardashev Type II civilization. This refers to a society capable of harnessing a star’s full power output.

SpaceX said the constellation would support AI applications for billions of people. The company also framed it as part of ensuring humanity’s multiplanetary future.

The proposed network dwarfs SpaceX’s existing Starlink constellation. Starlink currently operates more than 9,600 satellites in Earth’s orbit providing internet connectivity.

Roughly 15,000 active human-made satellites currently orbit Earth. SpaceX’s request would multiply that number by more than 60 times.

Regulatory Hurdles and Competition

The FCC has previously approved only portions of SpaceX’s satellite requests. The agency authorized 7,500 additional Starlink satellites while deferring on nearly 15,000 more.

Regulatory officials cite spectrum allocation and orbital debris concerns. These factors will likely constrain approval of the AI satellite network.

China recently filed plans with the International Telecommunication Union for two constellations totaling 200,000 satellites. This filing came just weeks before SpaceX’s application.

Satellite industry analyst Tim Farrar told PCMag that SpaceX’s plans appear rushed and early stage. However, Farrar noted the filing supports reported plans for a SpaceX-xAI merger.

SpaceX is reportedly exploring a merger with Elon Musk’s AI company xAI. The merger would occur ahead of a potential IPO this year.

The IPO could raise as much as $50 billion. Farrar explained that SpaceX cannot spend that amount on existing Starlink and Starship projects alone.

xAI needs capital to compete with rivals in the AI industry. A merger would consolidate AI computing, orbital infrastructure, and launch capabilities.

The proposed satellite network would shift SpaceX from connectivity provider to compute infrastructure operator. This represents a major strategic expansion of the company’s business model.

SpaceX holds an advantage as both satellite operator and launch provider. Other satellite companies face delays securing launch capacity from third-party providers.

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