SpaceX has filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission to deploy up to one million satellites forming an orbital data center powered by solar energy to meet AI computing demands. The proposed network would vastly exceed current satellite numbers in orbit. The FCC will review the request, likely adjusting the scale as it has in past approvals.
Elon Musk's SpaceX submitted its application to the FCC on Friday, January 31, 2026, proposing a massive expansion into space-based computing. The filing outlines a system of up to one million satellites operating in narrow orbital shells, each spanning up to 50 km. This constellation aims to create an "orbital data center" that leverages solar power with minimal operating and maintenance costs.
According to the filing, as reported by PCMag, "orbital data centers are the most efficient way to meet the accelerating demand for AI computing power." The initiative builds on SpaceX's existing Starlink network, which recently reached a milestone of 11,000 satellites launched. As of January 30, 2026, more than 9,600 Starlink satellites remain in orbit, per tracking data.
The scale of the request is unprecedented, representing about 100 times the current number of satellites in orbit. However, the FCC has a history of scaling back SpaceX's ambitions. Earlier this month, it approved 7,500 additional Starlink satellites, following a similar approval for 7,500 in 2022—far fewer than the nearly 30,000 initially sought in 2020.
This filing revives earlier mentions of Musk's orbital data center plans, which surfaced amid discussions of taking SpaceX public. The FCC's review process will determine the feasible extent of the deployment, balancing innovation with orbital management concerns.
