SpaceX has filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission to launch a constellation of up to 1 million solar-powered satellites that it says will serve as data centers for artificial intelligence.
The company’s filing presents a grandiose vision, not only describing these planned satellites as “the most effective way to meet the growing demand for AI computing power” but also presenting them as “a first step toward a Kardashev II-level civilization – one capable of harnessing the full power of the Sun” while also “securing humanity’s multi-planetary future among the stars.”
The Verge argued that Million satellite number unlikely to be approved outright and probably constitutes a starting point for negotiations. The FCC recently gave SpaceX permission to launch 7,500 more Starlink satellitesbut said it would “defer authorization of the remaining 14,988” proposed satellites.
There is currently around 15,000 artificial satellites orbiting the Earthaccording to the European Space Agency, and they are already creating pollution and debris problems.
The filing also comes as Amazon – citing a lack of rockets – is request an extension of an FCC deadline have more than 1,600 satellites in orbit. Meanwhile, SpaceX would considering merger with two other Elon Musk companiesTesla and xAI (which have already merged with go public.
