SpaceX Files Application for Million-Satellite Orbital Data Center System
Federal Regulators Accept Filing for Ambitious Space-Based Computing Network
SpaceX has filed an application with federal regulators seeking approval to launch up to one million satellites for what the company describes as an orbital data center system, representing a dramatic expansion of commercial space operations.
The Space Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission announced last week that it has accepted SpaceX’s application for the massive non-geostationary orbit satellite constellation, which would dwarf the company’s existing Starlink internet network.
The filing roughly parallels the company’s acquisition of xAI. According to the filing, SpaceX characterizes the orbital data center system as “the first step towards becoming a Kardashev II-level civilization – one that can harness the Sun’s full power,” referencing a theoretical framework for measuring a civilization’s technological advancement.
The proposed satellites would operate at altitudes between 500 and 2,000 kilometers (≈310-1,243 miles) in orbital shells spanning up to 50 kilometers (≈30 miles) each. The system would primarily use high-bandwidth optical links to communicate between satellites and connect with SpaceX’s existing Starlink constellations.
SpaceX is requesting authorization to use specific radio frequency bands on a non-interference basis and has asked for several waivers of standard FCC regulations, including exemptions from typical deployment milestones and surety bond requirements for non-geostationary orbit systems.
The FCC has set March 6 as the deadline for public comments on the application, with subsequent deadlines for responses and replies later in March.
If approved, the system would represent an unprecedented expansion of satellite-based infrastructure and could mark a significant shift toward space-based computing and data processing operations.