WASHINGTON, Feb 1, 2026, 08:26 EST
- SpaceX has requested permission from U.S. regulators to launch and run an “Orbital Data Center” satellite network, aiming to deploy up to 1 million spacecraft
- The filing reveals that the solar-powered satellites would handle AI tasks in orbit via laser links, relying on Ka-band radio as a fallback.
- SpaceX also requested waivers aimed at accelerating the FCC’s review process
SpaceX has filed a request with the Federal Communications Commission seeking approval to deploy as many as 1 million solar-powered satellites. The company claims these would serve as orbital data centers dedicated to artificial intelligence AI, according to the filing.
The company presented the plan as a solution to surging demand for computing power, arguing that energy, not chips, is the main bottleneck on Earth. It referenced projections from the International Energy Agency showing that electricity consumption by data centers might more than double by 2035 as AI adoption expands.
The filing appeared amid Elon Musk’s push to ramp up AI capabilities at xAI, taking on giants like Google, Meta, and OpenAI. Reuters noted the application came just a day after reports surfaced about merger talks between SpaceX and xAI. They also pointed out that operators frequently request more satellite slots than they plan to actually launch.
SpaceX described its plan in striking terms, pitching a million “orbital data center” satellites as a move toward achieving a “Kardashev II-level civilization”—a society harnessing nearly all the energy of its star. Their filing also highlighted how constant sunlight in orbit could slash expenses and lower the environmental footprint compared to traditional Earth-based data centers. TechCrunch
The plan calls for satellites arranged in stacked “orbital shells”—layers at roughly the same altitude—ranging from about 500 to 2,000 kilometers (310 to 1,242 miles) above Earth, according to GeekWire. Each shell would cover up to 50 kilometers in altitude. The system is set to include orbits tilted at 30 degrees and sun-synchronous orbits, which ensure satellites pass over Earth in sync with the Sun’s position. GeekWire
Most data traffic will pass through optical inter-satellite links—laser communications—to route information within the constellation and down to ground stations. SpaceX said these laser links could also connect with satellites in both its first- and second-generation Starlink networks. Meanwhile, Ka-band radio frequencies will act as a backup for telemetry, tracking, and command, using 18.8–19.3 GHz for downlinks and 28.6–29.1 GHz for uplinks.
SpaceX linked its pitch to the drive for cheaper, high-volume launches. The company claimed reusable rockets like Starship could haul “millions of tons of mass per year” into orbit at rapid launch rates. This would let on-orbit computing scale faster than traditional ground-based setups. They highlighted a scenario where sending a million tonnes of satellites annually could boost AI compute capacity by roughly 100 gigawatts each year. GeekWire
SpaceX pushed the FCC to waive several licensing rules to speed up approval. This included skipping the usual “processing round” steps used when multiple non-geostationary satellite systems compete for the same spectrum. They also asked to bypass deployment milestone requirements and surety-bond regulations, claiming their limited Ka-band usage would operate on a non-interference, non-protected basis—meaning SpaceX must avoid causing harmful interference and can’t demand protection from others. GeekWire
Competitors are watching closely, particularly if this request changes how the FCC manages spectrum and congestion in low Earth orbit. Amazon is working on its Project Kuiper broadband constellation and, according to TechCrunch, it’s asking for an extension on an FCC deployment deadline, blaming a rocket shortage.
The risks are already baked in. Even a fraction of that many satellites would ramp up worries about orbital debris, collision avoidance, and how dense satellite swarms impact astronomy and the night sky. SpaceX says it plans to dispose of satellites either by controlled atmospheric re-entry or by shifting them to disposal orbits once their mission ends. Musk added on X that “The satellites will actually be so far apart that it will be hard to see from one to another.” GeekWire
The narrative filing, signed by Cecilia Tenge-Rietberg, SpaceX’s senior satellite policy manager, is dated Jan. 30. SpaceX pushed the commission for swift approval, though the FCC hasn’t provided a timeline for its decision.
