Elon Musk's SpaceX has applied to launch one million satellites into Earth's orbit to power artificial intelligence (AI). The application claims that 'orbital data centres' are the most cost and energy-efficient way to meet the growing demand for AI computing power.
Traditionally, such centres are large warehouses full of powerful computers which process and store data. But Musk's aerospace firm claims processing needs due to the expanding use of AI are already outpacing 'terrestrial capabilities'.
These satellites would join its Starlink network in orbit, providing high-speed internet via thousands of small satellites. Critics have accused this network of creating congestion in space, an allegation Musk has denied. The proposed new network could comprise up to one million solar-powered satellites, although the timeline for this ambitious project remains unspecified.
SpaceX claims the system will deliver the computing capacity required to serve 'billions of users globally'. It also positions this initiative as the first step towards 'becoming a Kardashev II-level civilization - one that can harness the Sun's full power'. This notion links back to a scale of hypothetical alien societies proposed by an astronomer in the 1960s.
Musk shared on his social media platform, X, that the satellites will be so far apart it will be hard to see from one to another, emphasizing the vastness of space. Designed to operate in low-Earth orbit at altitudes from 500-2,000km (310-1,242 miles), these satellites promise a greener alternative to traditional data centers, which require enormous amounts of power and water for cooling.
However, launching hardware into orbit is noted as expensive, and experts warn of the challenges posed by space debris, which can increase the possibility of collisions. In addition, astronomers have raised concerns regarding the impact of such networks on astronomical observations. Despite criticisms, Musk has previously defended the use of his satellites in orbit.
Traditionally, such centres are large warehouses full of powerful computers which process and store data. But Musk's aerospace firm claims processing needs due to the expanding use of AI are already outpacing 'terrestrial capabilities'.
These satellites would join its Starlink network in orbit, providing high-speed internet via thousands of small satellites. Critics have accused this network of creating congestion in space, an allegation Musk has denied. The proposed new network could comprise up to one million solar-powered satellites, although the timeline for this ambitious project remains unspecified.
SpaceX claims the system will deliver the computing capacity required to serve 'billions of users globally'. It also positions this initiative as the first step towards 'becoming a Kardashev II-level civilization - one that can harness the Sun's full power'. This notion links back to a scale of hypothetical alien societies proposed by an astronomer in the 1960s.
Musk shared on his social media platform, X, that the satellites will be so far apart it will be hard to see from one to another, emphasizing the vastness of space. Designed to operate in low-Earth orbit at altitudes from 500-2,000km (310-1,242 miles), these satellites promise a greener alternative to traditional data centers, which require enormous amounts of power and water for cooling.
However, launching hardware into orbit is noted as expensive, and experts warn of the challenges posed by space debris, which can increase the possibility of collisions. In addition, astronomers have raised concerns regarding the impact of such networks on astronomical observations. Despite criticisms, Musk has previously defended the use of his satellites in orbit.
