Elon Musk has predicted that outer space could soon become the most affordable place to run artificial intelligence, suggesting that AI data centres may move off Earth within the next three years. The Tesla and SpaceX chief revealed plans to build a massive, solar-powered AI computing network in orbit through SpaceX and his AI venture, xAI.
According to filings made by SpaceX with the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the proposal involves deploying up to one million satellites to create an orbital constellation of AI data centres. These satellites would use solar energy, potentially reducing electricity and cooling costs that make Earth-based data centres expensive.
What initially appeared to be a futuristic or eccentric idea is now gaining credibility following regulatory disclosures, corporate restructuring and Musk’s public statements. The concept aims to leverage abundant solar power in space and eliminate many infrastructure constraints faced on the ground.
If successful, Musk’s vision could redefine how and where artificial intelligence is developed, raising the possibility that future AI systems may be trained and operated in space rather than on Earth.
