FCC Opens Review of Elon Musk’s SpaceX Plan for Orbital AI Data Centers
The post FCC Opens Review of Elon Musk’s SpaceX Plan for Orbital AI Data Centers appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com.
In brief The FCC accepted SpaceX’s application to build a satellite system designed as orbital data centers and opened it for public comment. The proposal would link laser-connected satellites with SpaceX’s existing Starlink constellations rather than provide consumer broadband. The filing follows FCC approval of Starlink’s expanded Gen2 network and Musk’s push to shift AI computing off Earth. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk’s dream of turning the night sky into a massive, solar-powered brain for artificial intelligence moved a step closer to reality this week as federal regulators began reviewing a plan to launch the company’s new satellite cluster. The Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday opened public review of a SpaceX proposal to build a non-geostationary satellite system that would move energy-intensive AI computing into orbit, potentially allowing the company to deploy up to one million data-center-style satellites to train xAI models, including Grok. “The proposed satellites will use high-bandwidth optical inter-satellite links and conduct telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) operations,” the FCC wrote. “The Bureau seeks comment on the application and the associated requests for waiver.” The filing review follows Musk’s decision on Monday to fold his artificial intelligence startup, xAI, into SpaceX, consolidating AI development and launch capabilities within a single company. “The SpaceX Orbital Data Center system will allow SpaceX to begin delivering much-needed energy-efficient AI compute for consumers, enterprises, and government users around the world,” SpaceX wrote in a waiver request for the filing. Under the proposal, SpaceX would operate the satellite system at altitudes between about 310 and 1,240 miles, linked through laser-based optical connections. The network would connect with SpaceX’s existing Starlink constellations, allowing data to be routed and processed in orbit before transmission to ground stations. AI Data centers are quickly becoming one of the biggest new sources of electricity demand as AI systems scale.…
Filed under: News - @ February 5, 2026 3:28 am