SpaceX seeks federal approval to launch 1 million solar-powered satellite data centers

SpaceX has filed a request with the Federal Communications Commission seeking approval to launch a constellation of up to 1 million solar-powered satellites, which the company says would function as orbiting data centres designed to support artificial intelligence workloads.

In its filing, SpaceX outlines an ambitious vision for the proposed system. The company describes the satellites as “the most efficient way to meet the accelerating demand for AI computing power,” while also framing the project in far broader terms. The filing characterizes the effort as “a first step toward becoming a Kardashev Type II civilization — one capable of harnessing the full power of the Sun.” It links it to SpaceX’s long-term goal of “ensuring humanity’s multi-planetary future amongst the stars.”

Observers have expressed sscepticismabout the scale of the proposal. The Verge noted that approval for a constellation of 1 million satellites is highly unlikely and suggested the figure may serve as an opening position in negotiations with regulators. The FCC recently granted SpaceX permission to deploy an additional 7,500 Starlink satellites but deferred authorization for the remaining 14,988 satellites in an earlier proposal.

According to the European Space Agency, there are currently around 15,000 human-made satellites orbiting Earth. That growing number has already raised concerns about space debris, orbital congestion, and light pollution, issues that would be dramatically amplified by a constellation on the scale SpaceX is proposing.

The filing comes amid broader pressure on satellite operators. Amazon has asked the FCC for an extension of a regulatory deadline to place more than 1,600 satellites in orbit, citing a shortage of available rockets. At the same time, SpaceX is reportedly exploring a potential merger with other Elon Musk–linked companies, including Tesla and xAI, which has already merged with X, as the company considers a future public offering.

Together, these developments underscore the intensifying competition and regulatory scrutiny surrounding satellite networks, AI infrastructure, and the growing role of space-based systems in global computing.