AI data centers in space: Known for major experiments in the fields of Tesla, SpaceX, and artificial intelligence, Elon Musk is now preparing to make space the next destination. His company has taken steps toward setting up AI-based data centers in space. For this, permission has been sought from the US communications regulator (FCC) to launch solar-powered satellites.
Under Musk’s proposal, there is a plan to deploy around 1 million satellites in Earth’s orbit. These satellites will take energy directly from the sun and carry out AI computing and data processing work. If this plan moves forward, it could bring a major change in data storage and processing methods at the global level.
Space data centers to run on solar energy
Data centers built on the ground have long been under environmental scrutiny due to heavy consumption of electricity and water. In several countries in the US and Europe, protests related to these have also been seen in recent years. Musk argues that if data centers are established in space, electricity needs can be met through solar energy, and resource-related constraints like water will also not remain.
According to SpaceX’s plan, sunlight is continuously available in space, which means the energy supply will not be disrupted. The company claims that this will not only reduce operating costs, but maintenance expenses will also remain lower compared to data centers located on the ground.
Regulatory and technical challenges are also significant
This project is as ambitious as it is complex. At present, around 15,000 satellites are active in Earth’s orbit. In such a situation, sending millions of new satellites at once raises concerns about collisions and an increase in space debris. Due to these reasons, the FCC has so far allowed only a limited number of satellite launches, while exercising caution on large-scale proposals.
Experts believe that if this plan moves ahead, rules related to space traffic management and safety will have to be redefined from scratch.
Utkarsh works as a Sub-Editor at 1Tak News. Technology and gadgets are his main beats, and he also tracks automobiles. A graduate of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, he began his journalism career in 2023 and has built experience across digital media platforms like 1Tak. Besides technology, he also has considerable experience covering national affairs, politics, research, and international news.
