SpaceX and Google pledge $30 billion for orbital AI data centers

Elon Musk and Sundar Pichai are finalising a partnership that would invest about $30 billion to build the first AI compute data centers in Earth orbit. The plan calls for combining SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network with Google‑developed AI processors, giving Google exclusive access to the orbital capacity for an initial five‑year period and targeting operational deployment before the end of the year.

Separately, SpaceX, its AI subsidiary xAI and AI lab Anthropic have agreed on a short‑term lease of the Colossus ground‑based compute hub. The arrangement allows Anthropic to draw up to $1.25 billion per month in fees, potentially generating more than $40 billion through 2029, but it is limited to an initial 180‑day term with a 90‑day mutual termination clause. Musk has stressed that SpaceX will retain control of the facility and can reclaim the capacity if its own needs increase.