As the demand for computing power skyrockets due to advancements in artificial intelligence, Elon Musk has suggested that SpaceX might leverage its Starlink V3 satellites to establish space-based data centers. This revelation comes at a time when companies are exploring how orbital infrastructure could address the terrestrial energy and cooling challenges associated with large-scale AI computing.
The announcement follows a report by Ars Technica on autonomous space construction, to which Musk responded on X, formerly known as Twitter:
“Simply scaling up Starlink V3 satellites, which have high-speed laser links, would work. SpaceX will be doing this.”
The Starlink V3 platform, capable of up to 1 terabit per second (Tbps) throughput, could potentially lay the groundwork for solar-powered orbital computing clusters.
SpaceX Poised to Lead Orbital Computing Revolution
SpaceX’s initiative could place it at the forefront of the race to develop space-based computing solutions. Proponents argue that such data centers could significantly reduce the land, water, and power footprints of traditional Earth-bound facilities. However, critics have raised concerns about the economic feasibility and complexity of maintaining large-scale data systems in orbit.
Elon Musk has emphasized the significance of this idea, describing it as a “very big deal” on X. SpaceX’s proven track record lends credibility to this ambitious vision. The company’s Starlink network, initially met with skepticism, now provides broadband to millions worldwide and is profitable. Additionally, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rockets, renowned for their reliability, have set a benchmark in the aerospace industry.
Growing Interest in Space-Based Data Solutions
Interest in space-based data storage and processing has intensified, with notable figures entering the fray. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt reportedly acquired Relativity Space to explore orbital data infrastructure, while Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has predicted gigawatt-scale data centers in space within two decades.
SpaceX recently celebrated its 100th Starlink mission of the year on October 31, 2025. A Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, further expanding the constellation.
Falcon 9’s Impressive Launch Record
Approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff, the Falcon 9’s first stage landed on the drone ship “Of Course I Still Love You” in the Pacific Ocean, marking the booster’s 29th flight. This achievement is nearing SpaceX’s reuse record of 31 missions. The company’s focus on reusing boosters has facilitated a rapid launch cadence, with multiple missions each week supporting both Starlink’s growth and external customer needs.
Starlink’s Expanding Global Footprint
Starlink remains the largest active satellite constellation in history, with over 10,000 satellites launched, nearly 8,800 of which are currently active. SpaceX has successfully launched 2,554 Starlink satellites in 2025 alone. The service, providing high-speed, low-latency internet even to remote areas, has transformed lives globally. Starlink is operational in about 150 countries, boasting over 5 million subscribers, with 2.7 million joining in the past year.
Implications and Future Prospects
The potential shift towards orbital computing could revolutionize how data centers operate, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional facilities. However, the economic and logistical challenges remain significant. As SpaceX continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, the industry watches closely to see if Musk’s vision can become a reality.
Meanwhile, the broader implications of this development extend beyond SpaceX. As more companies explore space-based solutions, the landscape of computing and data storage could undergo a fundamental transformation. The coming years will be pivotal in determining the viability and impact of orbital data centers on a global scale.
