"Elon Musk's SpaceX has applied to launch one million satellites into Earth's orbit to power artificial intelligence (AI). The application claims that "orbital data centres" are the most cost and energy-efficient way to meet the growing demand for AI computing power. Traditionally, such centres are large warehouses full of powerful computers which process and store data. But Musk's aerospace firm claims processing needs due to the expanding use of AI are already outpacing "terrestrial capabilities"."
"They would join its Starlink network in orbit, which provides high-speed internet via thousands of small satellites - and which have been accused of creating congestion in space, something Musk denies. The new network could comprise up to one million solar-powered satellites, according to the application filed on Friday with the Federal Communications Commission - which does not specify a timeline for the plan."
SpaceX applied to the Federal Communications Commission to launch up to one million solar-powered satellites into low-Earth orbit to serve as orbital data centres for AI computing. The satellites would operate at altitudes of 500–2,000 km and would integrate with the existing Starlink network of small internet satellites. The proposal states orbital data centres would be more cost- and energy-efficient than terrestrial data centres and could serve billions of users globally. The filing references a step toward a Kardashev II-level civilisation and does not specify a deployment timeline. Launching hardware into orbit remains expensive, and orbital infrastructure for power, cooling and protection can be complex.
Read at www.bbc.com
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