SpaceX Proposes 1 Million Satellite Data Centers: Seeks FCC Approval
SpaceX has recently submitted a groundbreaking application to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The proposal outlines plans to deploy up to one million satellites, which would function as orbital data centers for artificial intelligence computing. This unprecedented proposal, submitted in January 2026, would significantly surpass the current global satellite count of approximately 15,000 active spacecraft.
According to the FCC filing, these satellites would operate at altitudes ranging from 500 to 2,000 kilometers. They would harness near-constant solar power to process AI workloads. “Launching a constellation of a million satellites that operate as orbital data centers is a first step towards becoming a Kardashev II-level civilization,” SpaceX stated in the application. This statement refers to a theoretical advanced civilization capable of harnessing a star’s full power.
However, the proposal has drawn immediate concern from astronomers and space experts. Jonathan McDowell, a Harvard astrophysicist, warned that “one million satellites are going to be a big challenge for astronomy, especially as they are in higher orbits.” Critics have also raised concerns about:
- Space debris
- Kessler syndrome risks
- The dramatic impact on night sky observations
The FCC is now accepting public comments on the proposal through March 6, 2026. Despite the concerns, SpaceX argues that space-based computing would be more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than terrestrial data centers.
Source: GeekWire