Overview
- SpaceX filed for authorization to deploy up to one million satellites operating roughly 500–2,000 kilometers above Earth to run AI workloads using near-constant sunlight.
- The plan relies on intersatellite optical links and integration with Starlink for relaying data to the ground, with limited Ka-band use on a non-interference, unprotected basis.
- The company seeks waivers from standard FCC milestones for constellation build-out and omits satellite size, deployment schedule, and cost details in the filing.
- SpaceX says the concept depends on high-cadence, lower-cost launches by its reusable Starship vehicle, which remains under development and in flight testing.
- Coverage notes operators often request more satellites than they deploy and suggests a full million is unlikely, with about 15,000 total satellites currently in orbit and roughly 9,500 belonging to Starlink.