SpaceX is seeking authorization to deploy up to 1 million satellites into Earth’s orbit to realize Elon Musk’s latest ambitious vision of establishing orbital facilities capable of performing complex artificial intelligence computations.
In a filing submitted to the Federal Communications Commission late Friday, SpaceX stated it is developing this solar-powered network to “cater to the rapid expansion of data requirements fueled by artificial intelligence.”
“Deploying a constellation of one million satellites functioning as orbital data centers represents an initial stride toward achieving a Kardashev II civilization—capable of utilizing the Sun’s full energy—while supporting AI-driven applications for billions of people today and securing humanity’s multi-planetary future among the stars,” SpaceX noted in the filing.
The system, which could be launched using the company’s reusable Starship rocket, would offer a lower-cost and more environmentally sustainable alternative to terrestrial data centers, according to the filing.
Rather than needing water-intensive cooling systems like those used on Earth, the network would depend on radiative cooling—naturally occurring in space—to dissipate heat. Additionally, it would decrease reliance on batteries by drawing energy from the sun, the filing indicates.
Musk reacted to reports of the filing on X early Saturday morning, remarking “I thought we’d start small and work our way up.”
The satellites, which will employ laser links for intercommunication, will be deployed at altitudes ranging from 500 km (310.69 miles) to 2,000 km in an orbit that ensures nearly continuous solar access, the filing specifies.
The FCC application follows as SpaceX, which is aiming for an IPO later this year, is exploring a partnership with Musk’s xAI—a collaboration that would streamline cash flow while integrating expertise in artificial intelligence, satellite manufacturing, and rocket launches, Bloomberg has reported. SpaceX is also evaluating an alternative merger with [Company] Inc.
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Musk has publicly discussed the necessity of orbital data centers and his companies’ goals to lead in this technology, most recently at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
“Building AI data centers in space is an obvious choice,” Musk stated at the forum. “Space will be the most cost-effective location for AI, and this will hold true within two years, perhaps three at the latest.”