SpaceX Seeks Approval for Groundbreaking Plan to Launch One Million Satellites

Mon Feb 02 2026 06:53:58 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Elon Musk's SpaceX submits a bold application to the FCC to deploy one million satellites in orbit, aiming to create cost-effective 'orbital data centers' for AI processing.

In a significant move to enhance AI computing capabilities, SpaceX has applied to launch one million satellites into Earth's orbit. This initiative seeks to develop orbital data centers that are touted to be more energy-efficient compared to traditional data centers. The application, filed with the FCC, could drastically increase the number of SpaceX satellites already in orbit. Although Musk asserts that the satellites will be spaced adequately to prevent congestion, concerns about space debris and potential collisions remain.

SpaceX's Ambitious Plans

Elon Musk's SpaceX has applied to launch one million satellites into Earth's orbit to power artificial intelligence (AI).

The application claims orbital data centres are the most cost and energy-efficient way to meet the growing demand for AI computing power.

Addressing Growing AI Demands

Traditionally, such centres are large warehouses filled with powerful computers for processing and storing data. Musk's aerospace firm claims processing needs due to the expanding use of AI are already outpacing terrestrial capabilities.

This ambitious project would significantly raise the number of SpaceX satellites orbiting the Earth, up from its existing Starlink network of nearly 10,000 satellites, which has faced accusations of creating congestion in space, claims Musk refutes.

The Details of the Application

Filed with the Federal Communications Commission on Friday, the initiative does not specify a timeline for deployment but could include up to one million solar-powered satellites.

SpaceX claims that these satellites would provide the necessary computing capacity to serve billions of users globally.

Vision of the Future

Furthermore, Musk articulated that this network is not just about connectivity; it is the first step towards becoming a Kardashev II civilization—capable of harnessing the full power of the Sun, a reference to theoretical alien societies proposed by an astronomer in the 1960s.

Challenges Ahead

While Musk highlighted that the satellites would be spaced far apart to minimize visibility overlap, experts caution that launching hardware into orbit remains costly, and there are complexities related to protecting, cooling, and powering these satellites. Moreover, with increasing space debris, the risk of collisions between orbiting objects also poses a significant threat.

Additionally, astronomers have raised valid concerns regarding interference caused by SpaceX's Starlink network, which has been said to hinder astronomical research.

Nonetheless, Musk continues to defend the operational model of his satellites, maintaining they do not crowd the space needed for competitors.