SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, has formally applied to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for approval to deploy a satellite network serving as orbital computing infrastructure for artificial intelligence applications. Filed on Friday, January 30, 2026, the proposal envisions solar-powered satellites capable of processing and storing data directly in orbit. The ambitious plan aims to address surging AI computational demands by transforming low Earth orbit into a decentralized, space-based data center hub—potentially scaling up to one million satellites. The filing follows reports that SpaceX and Musk’s xAI are in merger talks ahead of a planned public offering this year. A merger would accelerate SpaceX’s orbital data center initiative amid intensifying competition with Google, Meta, and OpenAI. Unlike terrestrial data centers—which consume massive energy—the proposed satellites would leverage near-constant solar power, drastically cutting operational costs, maintenance, and environmental impact. FCC approval is required before proceeding. While deploying one million satellites remains highly unlikely—only ~15,000 currently orbit Earth—satellite operators often request licenses for larger constellations than planned to retain design flexibility. SpaceX previously sought authorization for 42,000 Starlink satellites; today, ~9,500 are operational. The project hinges largely on reducing Starship launch costs: SpaceX’s fully reusable next-generation rocket, which has completed 11 test flights since 2023, is expected to enable unprecedented scale and speed in orbital computing deployment.
SpaceX Seeks FCC Approval for AI Data Centers in Space
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