What is SpaceX planning with its orbital data center constellation?

SpaceX has filed an FCC application to launch up to 1 million Starlink satellites that would function as orbital data centers, aiming to support the AI boom.

What are the concerns regarding SpaceX's orbital data center plans?

Concerns have been raised about the potential overcrowding of Earth's orbit with an additional million satellites and the increased risk of collisions.

When will SpaceX launch its next-generation Starlink satellites?

SpaceX plans to launch the first batch of its third-generation Starlinks in the first half of 2026.

Home / Technology / SpaceX Eyes 1 Million Satellites for Orbital Data Centers

SpaceX Eyes 1 Million Satellites for Orbital Data Centers

2 Feb

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Summary

SpaceX filed an FCC application for up to 1 million orbital data centers.
New Starlinks will offer significantly higher uplink and downlink capacity.
Concerns about orbital overcrowding contrast with Musk's confidence.

SpaceX Eyes 1 Million Satellites for Orbital Data Centers

SpaceX has submitted an FCC application to launch a constellation of up to 1 million Starlink satellites designated for orbital data centers. This initiative aims to provide immense power and capacity for the burgeoning AI industry, purportedly without depleting Earth's resources. The proposed satellites, operating across various low-Earth orbit altitudes, are the third generation of Starlinks.

These V3 Starlinks, slated for launch in the first half of 2026, will feature substantial upgrades, offering over a terabit per second downlink and 200 gigabits per second uplink capacity. This represents a significant leap from previous generations. Elon Musk has also confirmed plans for a SpaceX IPO this year, potentially raising up to $50 billion to fund this ambitious orbital data center venture.

The sheer scale of the proposal, aiming for a million satellites, has ignited concerns regarding orbital congestion and the potential for increased collision risks. Retired astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell has tracked the growing number of objects in orbit, highlighting the existing density.