Musk says orbital AI computing could surpass terrestrial additions by 2028

Technology · First reported 1 Nov, 18:31 · Updated 19:52

Image: Wikimedia Commons · NASA Johnson Space Center · Public domain

Elon Musk says SpaceX’s planned orbital computing capacity could overtake new terrestrial capacity around the end of 2028 and exceed it in 2029. The article also describes the proposed investment, launch and satellite plans behind that projection.

Musk said orbital compute deployed per month could exceed terrestrial deployment around the end of 2028, then surpass it by more in 2029.
An analyst estimate cited in the article puts SpaceX’s spending needs at roughly $470 billion over five quarters to reach a target of at least 13 gigawatts of compute by the end of 2027.
The article says SpaceX’s orbital plan involves up to one million AI satellites, with thousands of units expected to begin deployment as soon as late 2027.

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Key facts

Compute target: At least 13 gigawatts by the end of 2027, according to the target cited in the article.
Spending estimate: Roughly $470 billion over five quarters, as estimated by analyst Kyle Reidhead.
Orbital deployment projection: Orbital compute deployed per month could exceed terrestrial deployment around the end of 2028 and far exceed it in 2029, Musk said.
Satellite plan: SpaceX plans up to one million AI satellites, with thousands of units potentially deploying from late 2027.