SpaceX Eyes $30B IPO for Orbital AI Data Centers

SpaceX is reportedly gearing up for a significant initial public offering in 2026, with plans to raise upwards of $30 billion. A portion of these funds is earmarked for a groundbreaking initiative: establishing data centers in orbit to support the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence. This move comes as the proliferation of AI data centers on Earth strains critical resources.

CEO Elon Musk has shown considerable interest in this concept, suggesting that SpaceX's Starlink satellite constellation could be utilized for this purpose. Musk envisions deploying substantial computing power via solar-powered AI satellites annually. Proponents argue that orbital data centers offer access to abundant solar energy and avoid terrestrial environmental concerns, though critics point to high costs and technical challenges.

While SpaceX has not officially confirmed these plans, its position as an aerospace leader makes such rumors influential. Competitors like Blue Origin and Google are also exploring similar space-based data center technologies. The feasibility hinges on SpaceX's Starship rocket, which must become fully operational to launch the necessary large satellites for these ambitious orbital server farms.