US EditionMusk predicts more AI capacity will be in orbit than on earth in 5 years, with SpaceX becoming a ‘hyper-hyper’ scaler
Elon Musk forecasts that orbit-based AI data centers will surpass Earth-based compute within 30 to 36 months due to energy and scaling advantages, with SpaceX planning up to 1 million satellites.
- Elon Musk predicted within 30 to 36 months that space will be the most economically compelling place for AI, reiterating this on Thursday during a lengthy podcast interview.
- Terrestrial data centers face limits on power, land and water, while McKinsey and Company estimates $6.7 trillion in investment is needed by 2030, with Big Tech capex reaching $600 billion in 2026.
- SpaceX is hiring for 'many critical engineering roles' and asked the FCC last month to launch 1 million satellites that could generate about 100 kW of compute per ton, Starcloud tested an AI server in orbit.
- Technical and regulatory hurdles include navigating 6,600 tons of space debris, 14,000-plus active satellites, heat dissipation, and maintenance, while Deutsche Bank said last month these are engineering challenges; podcast host Dwarkesh Patel noted energy costs represent only 10% to 15% of data-center expenses.
- Musk argues a 10,000-launch-per-year cadence is needed as SpaceX plans 20 to 30 Starship rockets, while a company memo outlines a path to 1 TW/year and cheaper space AI within three years.
12 Articles
12 Articles
SpaceX is hiring to turn Elon Musk’s plan for data centers in space a reality
SpaceX is planning to launch data centers in space. Alan Dyer/Stocktrek Images/Getty Images SpaceX is planning to launch a million satellites to operate as data centers. Elon Musk says it’s the only way to scale data center construction. He says that within 30 to 36 months, space will be the “most economically compelling place” for AI. To the world’s richest man, all things eventually end in outer space. As countries pour billions into new Eart…
SpaceX is hiring to turn Elon Musk's plan for data centers in space a reality
SpaceX is planning to launch data centers in space.Alan Dyer/Stocktrek Images/Getty ImagesSpaceX is planning to launch a million satellites to operate as data centers.Elon Musk says it's the only way to scale data center construction.He says that within 30 to 36 months, space will be the "most economically compelling place" for AI.To the world's richest man, all things eventually end in outer space.As countries pour billions into new Earth-bound…
Musk predicts more AI capacity will be in orbit than on earth in 5 years, with SpaceX becoming a ‘hyper-hyper’ scaler
Musk said getting all that AI and solar capacity in space will require about 10,000 launches a year—or a launch in less than an hour every day.
SpaceX Plans to Launch Up to 1-Million Orbiting Data Centers Powered by the Sun
SpaceX has made a significant step toward making science fiction a reality. They’ve put in a request to the FCC to launch up to one million satellites to host data centers in orbit. This proposal was submitted to the FCC on January 30, 2026, and it was accepted for file just a few days later, [...]
What's the deal with space-based data centers for AI?
Terrestrial data centers are so 2025. We're taking our large-scale compute infrastructure into orbit, baby! Or at least, that's what Big Tech is yelling from the rooftops at the moment. It's quite a bonkers idea that's hoovering up money and mindspace, so let's unpack what it's all about – and whether it's even grounded in reality.Continue ReadingCategory: AI and Humanoids, TechnologyTags: Space Junk, Artificial Intelligence, Data Center, Elon M…
Elon Musk Says Space Will Soon Be Cheaper Than Earth For AI Data Centres
Elon Musk says outer space is on track to become the most economical location for artificial intelligence data centres, potentially within just a few years, in comments made in a recent podcast and highlighted alongside a new SpaceX regulatory. The prediction follows a proposal submitted by SpaceX to the US Federal Communications Commission, outlining plans […] The post Elon Musk Says Space Will Soon Be Cheaper Than Earth For AI Data Centres app…
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