The idea of orbital data centers has moved from theory to hot topic, as Space X pushes a constellation of AI1 satellites. Elon Musk said the tech already exists in Starlink V3, but economics remain tough.

Each AI1 would have ~600 m² solar panels, delivering 120 GW of total power, and weigh 3.5–7.5 t. Radiators and GPUs add 1–2 t, so launch requires a Starship. The current Starship V3 can carry 100 t, with V4 targeting 200 t.

Launch cost estimates range from $20 M to $100 M, giving $100–$500 per kg. The optimistic scenario packs 57 satellites per launch, needing ~17 500 launches over a 5‑year life, or ~3 500 per year. Neutral and pessimistic cases require 7 400 or 15 300 launches annually, i.e., 10–42 per day.

Last year saw 321 successful launches, 170 by Space X. A 1 million satellite cloud would spike that by 20×, pushing Space X to build four Starship pads in Texas and Florida.