SpaceX challenged on AI strategy as rival eyes a Mars mission

Silicon Valley investor Reid Hoffman criticized SpaceX’s artificial‑intelligence approach, saying the company relies on buying AI firms and leasing compute infrastructure rather than developing its own foundational models. He likened the tactic to “IAC for AI,” arguing that recent acquisitions and a planned IPO focused on AI do not constitute genuine innovation.

At the same time, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has taken control of Relativity Space, positioning the company to compete directly with SpaceX for a Mars mission. NASA has partnered with Relativity for the Aeolus orbiter, scheduled for launch in 2028, which will map Martian atmospheric conditions and host an experimental “Relay Data Center” to process AI workloads in orbit. Schmidt’s goal is to use space‑based solar power to support massive AI computing needs, potentially overtaking SpaceX’s current strategy.