SpaceX recently submitted a request to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) detailing plans for launching a constellation comprising as many as one million solar-powered satellites designed to operate as data centers supporting artificial intelligence workloads. The company's filing articulates a significant vision, positioning these proposed satellites as the most efficient solution for the rapidly escalating need for AI computing power.
This proposal extends beyond immediate commercial needs, as SpaceX characterizes the project as an initial phase toward achieving Kardashev II civilization status, capable of harnessing the Sun's complete energy output. Furthermore, the company stated the initiative supports ensuring humanity's multi-planetary future among the stars, according to the filing reviewed by TechCrunch.
The sheer scale of one million proposed satellites is unlikely to receive immediate authorization, as analysts suggest this filing likely serves as an opening position for regulatory negotiation. The FCC previously granted SpaceX clearance for an additional seven thousand five hundred Starlink satellites but explicitly deferred authorization for the remaining nearly fourteen thousand nine hundred proposed units.
This development occurs while orbital real estate remains a contentious issue, with approximately fifteen thousand active satellites currently orbiting Earth, presenting challenges related to pollution and space debris, reported the European Space Agency.
Meanwhile, competitor Amazon is reportedly seeking an extension from the FCC regarding its deadline to deploy over one thousand six hundred satellites, citing difficulties in securing sufficient launch vehicle capacity. This highlights the intense competition within the burgeoning low Earth orbit services sector.
Concurrently, industry observers note that SpaceX is reportedly considering a merger involving two other Elon Musk-led entities, Tesla and xAI, ahead of its anticipated initial public offering. Such consolidation could dramatically reshape the vertical integration of Musk’s technology holdings.
The FCC will now commence its review of the application, balancing the national interests in fostering advanced AI infrastructure against the established environmental and operational safety concerns surrounding massive satellite deployments.
Ultimately, the authorization process for this massive constellation will determine not only SpaceX's near-term expansion but also set precedents for how future large-scale orbital computing infrastructure is regulated globally.
