WASHINGTON, Jan 31 (GeokHub) — Elon Musk’s SpaceX has asked U.S. regulators for approval to deploy an ambitious network of satellites designed to power artificial intelligence data centers using solar energy in orbit, according to a recent filing with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
The proposal outlines a plan to launch up to one million satellites capable of harvesting near-constant solar power to support AI computing infrastructure in space. SpaceX says the approach could dramatically cut energy costs while reducing the environmental footprint associated with land-based data centers.
The FCC filing came shortly after reports that SpaceX and Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI, are discussing a potential merger ahead of a high-profile public offering. Such a move could accelerate Musk’s broader strategy to integrate space-based infrastructure into the fast-growing global AI ecosystem.
Data centers form the backbone of modern AI systems but consume enormous amounts of electricity. SpaceX argues that orbiting facilities powered directly by the sun would offer a more efficient alternative.
“By directly harnessing near-constant solar power with minimal operating and maintenance costs, these satellites could deliver transformative energy and cost efficiency while significantly reducing environmental impact,” the company said in its filing.
While the proposal mentions up to one million satellites, industry experts note that companies often request authorization for higher numbers than they plan to deploy to maintain flexibility. SpaceX previously sought approval for 42,000 Starlink satellites before beginning rollout, and currently operates roughly 9,500 satellites in orbit.
The plan depends heavily on the success of Starship, SpaceX’s next-generation fully reusable rocket. The company believes Starship will drastically lower launch costs and enable the deployment of massive payloads at unprecedented scale.
Starship has completed 11 test launches since 2023. Musk has said the rocket is expected to carry its first operational payloads into orbit this year, a milestone seen as critical for expanding Starlink and supporting future space-based data infrastructure.
