SpaceX to test orbital AI satellites by late 2027

SpaceX executives said the company will begin demonstrations of orbital artificial‑intelligence computing in late 2027, ahead of the "as early as 2028" rollout timeline disclosed in its IPO filing. The firm has asked regulators for permission to launch up to one million data‑center satellites that would run AI workloads in space.

The first AI satellite, dubbed AI1, will use Nvidia chips and deliver about 120 kW of average compute power, peaking at 150 kW, with 70‑meter solar arrays and laser links. SpaceX plans to build the satellites at a new "Gigasat" factory on more than 1,000 acres in Bastrop, Texas, with production slated to start by the end of 2027. The effort is tied to the company's upcoming Nasdaq IPO, where shares are expected to trade under the ticker SPCX at an opening price of $135.

Musk described the orbital data‑center concept as an extension of the existing Starlink network, noting that the satellites mainly consist of solar panels, radiators and laser links, without complex antenna systems.