At a time when demand for artificial intelligence computing is rising sharply, SpaceX has outlined a bold plan that could redefine how AI infrastructure is built. The company has formally approached regulators with a proposal that takes data centres beyond Earth.
SpaceX has filed a proposal with the Federal Communications Commission to deploy up to 1,000,000 solar-powered satellites. According to the filing, these satellites would function as AI-powered data centres in space. The company described the idea as “the most efficient way to meet the accelerating demand for AI computing power.”
Beyond computing capacity, the proposal outlines a much broader ambition. SpaceX called the satellite network “a first step toward becoming a Kardashev II-level civilization.” The term refers to a theoretical society capable of harnessing the full energy output of its star. The company said the project could help support humanity’s long-term goal of becoming a multi-planetary species.
The proposal comes as SpaceX continues to expand its Starlink satellite network. The FCC has recently approved the company’s request to launch an additional 7,500 Starlink satellites. However, approval was deferred for the remaining 14,988 satellites included in the broader application.
A technology publication noted that the proposal to deploy up to 1,000,000 satellites is unlikely to be approved in full. The figure may instead serve as an opening position for future negotiations between SpaceX and the FCC.
The plan has also raised questions around environmental impact. According to estimates from the European Space Agency, around 15,000 man-made satellites are currently orbiting Earth. This growing number has already led to concerns over space pollution and orbital debris.
With such issues already emerging, the environmental consequences of a satellite deployment on this scale remain uncertain. Regulators are expected to closely examine how a project of this size could affect the long-term sustainability of Earth’s orbital environment.
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