SpaceX plans to launch 1 million satellites to create «space data centres»
According to the application submitted by SpaceX to the regulators, the company plans to form a group of approximately 1 million satellites, that will actually serve as space data centres. We are talking about orbital data centres capable of providing computing for artificial intelligence systems without the need for ground-based infrastructure.
As noted in the article Bloomberg, The future network is seen as a response to the rapid growth in demand for computing resources amid the global AI boom.
SpaceX's key arguments
In the application, the company highlights several advantages of orbital data centres:
Energy efficiency.
The satellites will be powered by solar energy, which is available almost continuously in space, reducing dependence on the Earth's power grids.
Natural cooling.
Instead of using large volumes of water, as in ground-based data centres, orbital systems will be able to use radiation cooling in a vacuum.
Environmental friendliness.
Moving computing into space will potentially reduce the burden on energy systems and water resources on Earth, a factor that is becoming critical as AI infrastructure grows.
Launches and technology base
To launch such a large number of vehicles into orbit SpaceX plans to use a reusable missile system Starship, which the company positions as a key element for mass and relatively cheap launches.
Experts note that the implementation of a project of this scale will require not only technological breakthroughs but also regulatory approvals, in particular regarding orbital traffic and space debris.
Ukrainian
English