Jakarta, INTI - SpaceX has formally submitted an application to the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking approval to launch up to one million satellites as part of a plan to develop solar-powered orbital data centers to support artificial intelligence (AI) computing needs.
SpaceX’s Plan to Build AI Data Centers in Space
The application aims to establish the world’s first fully solar-powered orbital data center operating entirely from outer space.
According to an Engadget report published on Sunday, February 1, 2026, application documents obtained by PCMag state that the system would consist of a satellite constellation operating within narrow orbital shells, each spanning up to 50 kilometers.
“Orbital data centers represent the most efficient way to meet the rapidly growing demand for AI computing power,” SpaceX wrote in the document.
SpaceX explained that this approach could significantly reduce operational and maintenance costs by relying on solar energy.
TechCrunch further reported that the entire satellite constellation is designed to operate exclusively on solar power and function as supporting infrastructure for AI computing workloads.
Rising Satellite Numbers Raise Concerns Over Space Pollution
According to data from the European Space Agency (ESA), approximately 15,000 human-made satellites are currently orbiting the Earth.
This growing number has heightened concerns about space pollution and orbital debris, which could interfere with the operation of other satellites.
SpaceX alone has launched more than 11,000 Starlink satellites and recently received approval from the FCC to deploy an additional 7,500 units.
Previously, the company had also launched another 7,500 satellites in 2022 as part of its Starlink network expansion.
Even so, these figures remain significantly lower than the scale of SpaceX’s latest license application.
In 2020, SpaceX had sought approval to launch nearly 30,000 satellites.
Beyond SpaceX, other technology companies such as Amazon have also submitted requests to the FCC to extend the launch deadlines for more than 1,600 of their satellites.
Conclusion
The rapid surge in satellite deployments highlights a growing tension between technological expansion and the sustainability of Earth’s orbital environment. While projects like SpaceX’s Starlink and similar initiatives from other tech giants aim to improve global connectivity and support advanced digital infrastructure, the sheer scale of planned launches raises serious concerns about space debris and long-term orbital congestion. Without stronger international coordination, clearer regulations, and responsible mitigation strategies, the benefits of satellite-driven innovation could be overshadowed by escalating risks to space safety and future operations.
Read more: SpaceX Acquires xAI to Build Data Centers in Space