SpaceX has filed with the Federal Communications Commission to deploy a constellation of up to 1 million solar-powered satellites that would function as AI data centers in low Earth orbit. The plan aims to leverage near-constant solar energy for cost-efficient, high-performance computing with minimal environmental impact.

This move comes as Elon Musk's xAI reportedly considers a merger with SpaceX ahead of a potential public offering. The satellite network would give SpaceX a strategic edge in the AI infrastructure race against tech giants like Google, Meta, and OpenAI, all vying for dominance in next-generation computing.

While only 15,000 satellites currently orbit Earth, regulatory filings often request more than planned. SpaceX previously sought permission for 42,000 Starlink satellites. Success hinges on reduced launch costs via the Starship rocket, now in its 11th test flight, with reusable technology key to making orbital data centers viable at scale.