AI in Orbit: Musk Merges SpaceX with xAI to Build Solar-Powered Data Centers in Space

Billionaire Elon Musk has pledged to revolutionize the tech industry by moving AI data centers into Earth's orbit. Aiming to launch up to one million satellites, Musk plans to harness constant solar energy to power AI models without straining terrestrial power grids or increasing utility bills. To fund this odyssey, Musk merged SpaceX with his AI firm, xAI, setting the stage for a massive initial public offering (IPO).

Musk’s vision, summarized by his quote "The sun always shines in space!", addresses the growing energy crisis caused by AI. However, critics and scientists point to staggering obstacles, including heat dissipation in a vacuum and orbital debris management. While Musk has a history of defying the odds with Tesla and Starlink, this project represents his most extreme gamble yet—attempting to build a sustainable, space-based computing infrastructure.