SpaceX has filed a groundbreaking request with the Federal Communications Commission to deploy up to 1 million solar-powered satellites designed to operate orbital AI data centers, according to documents submitted on January 30, 2026. The proposal comes amid growing competition in artificial intelligence infrastructure development across global tech sectors.
Space-Age AI Infrastructure
The planned constellation aims to leverage constant solar energy in low Earth orbit, potentially reducing both operational costs and environmental impacts compared to Earth-based data centers. This initiative follows recent discussions between SpaceX and Elon Musk's xAI about a potential merger ahead of an anticipated public offering later this year.
Technical and Environmental Considerations
While current orbital infrastructure includes fewer than 15,000 active satellites worldwide, SpaceX's application reflects ambitious plans for scalable space-based computing. The company's Starship reusable rocket system, which completed its 11th test flight in late 2025, is considered critical for deploying these next-generation satellites at unprecedented scale.
Market Implications
The proposal highlights intensifying competition in AI infrastructure development, with Asian tech giants increasingly investing in alternative energy solutions for data processing. SpaceX's filing notes that orbital data centers could complement terrestrial operations in regions facing energy infrastructure challenges.
Regulatory approval remains pending, with industry analysts predicting rigorous scrutiny of orbital traffic management and spectrum allocation issues. The FCC is expected to render its decision within the next 12 months.
