SpaceX is seeking federal approval to launch 1 million solar-powered satellite data centers

SpaceX has filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission to launch a constellation of up to 1 million solar-powered satellites that it said will serve as data centers for artificial intelligence.

The company’s filing lays out a grand vision, not only describing these planned satellites as “the most effective way to meet the accelerating demand for AI computing power” but also framing them as “a first step toward becoming a Kardashev II civilization — one that can harness the full power of the Sun” while “ensuring humanity’s multi-planet interstellar future.”

The Verge argued that the million satellite figure is unlikely to be approved outright and may be intended as a starting point for negotiations. The FCC recently granted SpaceX permission to launch an additional 7,500 Starlink satellites, but said it would “postponement of licensing for the remaining 14,988 proposed satellites.”

There are currently about 15,000 man-made satellites orbiting Earth, according to the European Space Agency, and they are already causing problems with pollution and debris.

The filing also comes as Amazon — citing a lack of rockets — seeks an extension of the FCC’s deadline for deploying more than 1,600 satellites into orbit. Meanwhile, SpaceX is reportedly considering a merger with two of Elon Musk’s other companies, Tesla and xAI (which has already merged with X), before going public.