Elon Musk has unveiled the clearest look yet at SpaceX’s planned orbital AI data centers as the company prepares for its highly anticipated public listing.
During an interview posted on X, Musk showcased a massive AI satellite concept designed to function as a space-based data center. According to SpaceX, the satellite would stand 20 meters tall with a 70-meter wingspan, making it the largest spacecraft the company has ever launched.
The design features racks of AI chips powered by enormous solar arrays and cooled by liquid radiators. Musk described it as an early prototype and said it would rely heavily on technology already developed for Starlink.
SpaceX plans to manufacture the satellite’s solar panels at a new “Gigasat” facility in Bastrop, Texas. Musk said the factory, which spans more than 11 million square feet, is expected to reach meaningful production levels by the end of next year.
The billionaire has long argued that AI data centers in orbit could benefit from abundant solar power while avoiding many of the challenges faced by large ground-based facilities. SpaceX has previously indicated it could eventually deploy up to one million AI satellites.
The orbital computing project is a key part of SpaceX’s growth strategy as the company targets a reported $1.75 trillion valuation. SpaceX executives have also confirmed that the satellites will initially use Nvidia GPUs, with future systems expected to incorporate specialized radiation-resistant chips produced at the company’s planned Terafab semiconductor facility.