SpaceX Proposes Million-Satellite AI Data Center Network in FCC Filing

SpaceX has submitted a proposal to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission seeking approval to launch a vast network of satellites designed to support artificial intelligence computing from low Earth orbit.

The application, filed on January 30, 2026, requests authorization for up to one million satellites that would function as orbital data centers. These satellites are intended to operate at altitudes between 500 km and 2,000 km, with each arranged in orbital shells up to 50 km thick.

According to SpaceX, the planned constellation would rely on solar energy for power and use optical laser links to transmit data between satellites. The company stated that this approach is intended to address growing demand for AI computing while minimizing operating and maintenance expenses.

SpaceX described the project as a step toward harnessing solar energy on a much larger scale, referencing the concept of a Kardashev II-level civilization. The company indicated that its Starship launch vehicle would be used to deploy the initial group of orbital data center satellites, though a specific timeline was not provided.

What the numbers show

• SpaceX’s Starlink constellation had launched about 11,000 satellites by January 2026
• Over 9,600 Starlink satellites remained active in orbit as of that date
• The FCC recently authorized an additional 7,500 next-generation Starlink satellites, raising the total to 15,000 Gen2 units

SpaceX’s filing continues a pattern of requesting large satellite numbers at the outset of regulatory discussions, a strategy previously observed with applications for Starlink’s second-generation satellites. The company’s current Starlink network consists of thousands of satellites already in operation, with further expansion approved by regulators.

The proposal for orbital data centers aligns with a broader movement in the space industry, as other companies such as Blue Origin and Starcloud have also shown interest in space-based AI computing infrastructure. This trend reflects ongoing efforts to develop new approaches for handling increased computational demands.

Experts have identified potential challenges associated with deploying such a large number of satellites, including risks related to space debris and orbital congestion. These concerns highlight the need for careful consideration of the impact on the space environment as satellite networks continue to expand.

While the FCC has recently approved additional Starlink satellites, SpaceX’s latest application marks a substantial increase in the scale of proposed satellite deployments. The outcome of the regulatory review process will determine the next steps for the company’s orbital data center ambitions.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.