🛰️ Spacex: one million satellites in orbit to form a giant space datacenter

Spacex is working on a project for a network of no fewer than one million satellites in Earth orbit, powered by solar energy and connected to each other via lasers. The whole would form a giant space datacenter for the needs of AIs. This initiative would bypass the limitations of terrestrial datacenters, which are too demanding in space and resources.

The idea may seem audacious, but Elon Musk claims the technology is already partly ready. Future Starlink V3 satellites already incorporate key components: solar panels, radiators and laser links. These systems would allow "compute racks" installed on each satellite to be linked together, creating a massive orbital computer.


Each satellite would be capable of generating 150 kW at peak and 120 kW continuously. That power far exceeds current satellites. To launch them, SpaceX plans to use its Super Heavy booster with its Starship, still in testing. The company also expects a dedicated production facility to be operational by the end of 2026.

Facing concerns about orbital congestion, Musk remains confident. He points out that space is vast and that SpaceX has unique experience managing large constellations, with over 10,000 Starlink satellites already in service. According to him, even one million satellites would not cause traffic issues.

This announcement comes at a key moment for SpaceX, which is preparing its stock market listing. The company is betting on these orbital datacenters to attract investors, amid increasing competition with other players like Google, Blue Origin or Microsoft. The goal is to demonstrate that space can offer a viable alternative to terrestrial data centers.

It remains to be seen whether this ambitious project will convince scientists and regulators. Astronomers have already expressed concerns about the impact on observations. And serious questions arise about pollution generated by thousands of Starship launches, and the reentry of this million satellites at end of life.

But for Musk, the issue is a priority: it is about preparing the future of human civilization, with infrastructure capable of supporting ever more powerful artificial intelligence.