Elon Musk's SpaceX plans to launch 1 million solar-powered satellite data centers

On Friday, January 30, 2026, Elon Musk's space development company, SpaceX, filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which regulates the US broadcasting and communications industry, requesting the launch of one million data center satellites into low Earth orbit.

SpaceX seeks FCC nod for solar-powered satellite data centers for AI | Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/spacex-seeks-fcc-nod-solar-powered-satellite-data-centers-ai-2026-01-31/

SpaceX wants to put 1 million solar-powered data centers into orbit | The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/tech/871641/spacex-fcc-1-million-solar-powered-data-centers-satellites-orbit

SpaceX seeks federal approval to launch 1 million solar-powered satellite data centers | TechCrunch
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/31/spacex-seeks-federal-approval-to-launch-1-million-solar-powered-satellite-data-centers/

SpaceX plans to launch a solar-powered data center into low Earth orbit. While data centers are springing up all over the world due to the growing demand for AI, some have pointed out that at the current cost, it's 'impossible' to make a profit from investing in data centers.

SpaceX explains that 'By directly harnessing near-constant solar power with almost no operational or maintenance costs, these satellites will dramatically improve cost and energy efficiency, while significantly reducing the environmental impact associated with terrestrial data centers.' It appears that launching data centers into space, rather than establishing them on the ground, will solve both cost and environmental issues.

SpaceX's application to the FCC describes the solar-powered data center satellites as 'the most efficient way to meet the growing demand for AI computing power,' 'the first step toward becoming a Kardashev-scale Type II civilization that can fully utilize sunlight,' and 'ensuring a multi-planetary future for humanity among the stars.'

Technology media The Verge points out that 'while it is unlikely that the launch of a massive constellation of 1 million satellites will be approved immediately, SpaceX has adopted a strategy of seeking approval to launch an unrealistic number of satellites as a starting point for negotiations. In fact, SpaceX envisioned the launch of a total of 12,000 satellites for its satellite internet service, Starlink, but the number of satellites initially launched for the project was only 60 .

How will the 'Starlink Project' that provides high-speed internet to every corner of the world change the world? - GIGAZINE

by Official SpaceX Photos

SpaceX successfully launched 10,000 Starlink satellites in October 2025, but the FCC has approved the launch of an additional 7,500 Starlink satellites. However, SpaceX plans to launch approximately 15,000 more, and many more Starlink satellites are planned to be launched in the future.

FCC approves 7,500 additional SpaceX satellites, totaling 15,000 expected to be operational by 2031 - GIGAZINE

According to the European Space Agency (ESA), there are approximately 15,000 satellites orbiting Earth at the time of writing, and they are already causing problems with pollution and debris. While SpaceX has launched a large number of satellites, it has also been pointed out that one to two Starlink satellites are falling to Earth every day.

Starlink satellites are falling to Earth one to two per day - GIGAZINE

SpaceX also explained, 'Fortunately, the development of fully reusable launch vehicles like Starship will enable us to deploy millions of tons of mass into orbit per year at a consistent launch velocity. This will enable orbital throughput at an unprecedented scale and speed compared to terrestrial construction, while significantly reducing the environmental impact.' It appears that the company plans to use Starship, its next-generation reusable rocket, to launch satellites.