SpaceX, the aerospace company led by Elon Musk, announced on Monday a new plan to build an artificial intelligence data center, while confirming it is proceeding with the controlled deorbit of approximately 100 first-generation Starlink satellites. The dual announcement signals the company’s accelerating push into AI infrastructure, leveraging its satellite network to create a unique competitive advantage in the burgeoning market for AI computing.
The planned facility, to be located in the U.S. Midwest, is designed specifically for AI workloads and will harness the high-speed, low-latency data backhaul capabilities of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite constellation. According to the company, the data center is expected to have an installed capacity of roughly 250 megawatts. It will feature SpaceX’s proprietary liquid cooling systems and energy management solutions, with the first racks slated to become operational in the second quarter of 2027. Elon Musk stated on social media that Starlink is not merely a tool for providing internet access to remote regions, but can also serve as a massive data transmission network for AI computing. As AI models continue to scale, distributed training imposes higher demands on data synchronization and transmission efficiency, and SpaceX’s low-Earth orbit satellite architecture holds unique potential in addressing these challenges.
In parallel, SpaceX confirmed it is executing the controlled deorbit of about 100 first-generation Starlink satellites that have exceeded their design lifespan. The company said these satellites will be guided to safely burn up in the atmosphere, in compliance with international space debris mitigation guidelines. SpaceX emphasized that the deorbit operation will not affect operational satellites or user terminals, and that newer Starlink satellites are equipped with more advanced propulsion systems for more flexible end-of-life disposal.
Industry analysts noted that SpaceX’s simultaneous moves to build a data center and upgrade its satellite fleet reveal a strategic intent to construct an integrated “space-plus-ground” AI infrastructure. This approach could offer AI companies a unique combination of computing power and data transmission capabilities, creating a differentiated competitive moat. Following the announcement, SpaceX shares rose approximately 3% in Monday trading. The company plans to disclose further details about AI data center partners and technical specifics in the coming months.
Source: finance.sina