SpaceX Applies to Launch One Million AI Data Satellites

SpaceX has submitted an application to the Federal Communications Commission for approval to launch a constellation network consisting of up to one million solar powered satellites. The company stated that these satellites will serve as data centers for artificial intelligence.

Grand vision: computing power and civilization leap forward

The company’s application documents articulate a grand vision, describing these planned satellites not only as the “most effective way to meet the acceleration needs of artificial intelligence computing power,” but also as the “first step towards a Kardashev II civilization – a civilization that can harness all the energy of the sun,” while “ensuring a multi planetary future for humanity among the stars.

Realistic considerations: difficulty of approval and industry background

The Verge analysis suggests that the number of 1 million satellites is unlikely to be directly approved, and this is likely to serve as a starting point for negotiations. The FCC has recently approved SpaceX to launch an additional 7500 Starlink satellites, but stated that it will “postpone the approval of the remaining 14988 satellites in the application.
According to data from the European Space Agency, there are currently about 15000 artificial satellites orbiting the Earth, which have caused pollution and debris problems.
At the time of submitting this application, Amazon is requesting an extension from the FCC to send over 1600 satellites into orbit, citing a lack of rockets. Meanwhile, according to reports, SpaceX is considering merging with Elon Musk’s other two companies, Tesla and xAI (which have already merged with X), before going public.