SpaceX plans to launch orbital data centers by 2027

SpaceX is actively developing orbital data centers that could radically transform the tech industry in the coming years. According to company head Elon Musk, space computing capacities will grow rapidly, with monthly deployment volumes surpassing ground-based data centers by the end of 2028 and significantly outpacing them in 2029.

• Orbital computing power will exceed ground-based facilities by late 2028 and surpass them significantly in 2029.
• Plans involve creating a constellation of up to 1 million satellites equipped with solar panels.
• The fully reusable Starship spacecraft will play a crucial role in deploying the infrastructure.

Technical features of orbital data centers

These space-based data center projects are built on large satellites equipped with powerful thermal management systems and solar panels. Utilizing nearly continuous solar power supply ensures high energy efficiency, while inter-satellite laser communication guarantees stable data exchange in orbit.

One of the key initiatives involves AI1 satellites, featuring an average computing power of about 120 kW. The company intends to launch the first demonstration systems into space by the end of 2027, with substantial infrastructure expansion expected in 2028.

The role of Starship in space infrastructure

Realizing such ambitious plans requires a fully reusable heavy-lift rocket system. SpaceX's Starship spacecraft is designed to deliver large satellites and equipment into orbit in significantly larger volumes and at a lower cost compared to existing launch vehicles.

Implications for the global IT industry

Moving data centers into space opens a new era for artificial intelligence and cloud computing, relieving ground infrastructure of massive energy loads. For the technology market, this represents a transition to fundamentally new energy sources and distributed computing architecture beyond Earth.