SpaceX Acquires xAI, Prepares AI Data Center in Space

JAKARTA - SpaceX announced that it had acquired xAI, to build an integrated innovation engine that combines artificial intelligence (AI), rocket technology, satellite-based internet, and direct communication to mobile devices.

SpaceX calls this acquisition an effort to accelerate the future of humanity by developing space-based AI computing, following the limitations of terrestrial data centers that are increasingly constrained by energy and cooling needs.

"The only logical solution is to move these resource-intensive efforts to locations with large power and space," SpaceX owner Elon Musk said in a formal announcement.

According to him, by directly utilizing the almost constant solar energy with low operating or maintenance costs, these satellites will increase computing capacity.

SpaceX has acquired xAI, forming one of the most ambitious, vertically integrated innovation engines on (and off) Earth → https://t.co/3ODfcYnqfg pic.twitter.com/el40rCUBGe

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) February 2, 2026

As part of that vision, SpaceX plans to launch up to a million satellites that serve as AI data centers in orbit, using the Starship rocket, which it claims can carry up to 200 tons of cargo per launch at high frequency.

Starting this year, Starship is scheduled to send the V3 generation Starlink satellites into orbit, with a capacity more than 20 times that of the previous generation of satellites launched using the Falcon.

Starship will also carry a new generation of satellites for direct-to-phone communications services, which are targeted to provide global mobile coverage.

According to Musk's estimates, the launch of one million tons of AI satellites per year with a computing power of 100 kilowatts per ton has the potential to add 100 gigawatt of global AI computing capacity each year.

The billionaire also predicted that in the next two to three years, orbit-based AI computing will be the most cost-efficient option compared to data centers on Earth.

"My guess is that in the next 2 to 3 years, the cheapest way to generate AI computing power will be in space," Musk continued.

The company also emphasized that this AI satellite constellation will be built with the principle of space sustainability, including satellite disposal mechanisms at the end of the operational period, as has been applied to the Starlink system.

SpaceX calls this step part of its ambition to raise human civilization to the Kardashev II level, an civilization that is able to utilize solar energy on a large scale, while supporting the long-term vision of multi-planet life.