Report: Google and SpaceX in talks to put data centers into orbit


Google and SpaceX are in talks to launch orbital data centers in space, reports The Wall Street Journal, citing sources familiar with the matter.

The potential deal comes as SpaceX gears up for its $1.75 trillion IPO later this year, selling investors on the idea that data centers in space will be the cheapest place to put AI compute within the next few years. It also follows Anthropic’s deal with SpaceX last week to use computing resources from xAI’s data center in Memphis, Tennessee, with the potential to work together on orbital ones in the future. (SpaceX acquired xAI in February.)

Google is reportedly talking to other rocket-launch companies as well. The company also plans to launch prototype satellites by 2027 as part of an initiative called Project Suncatcher, announced late last year.

Elon Musk has created hype for orbital data centers, claiming they are cheaper to operate. Advocates also point out they are free from the local backlash that U.S. ground-based buildouts attract. However, as TechCrunch recently reported, today’s terrestrial data centers are much cheaper than those in orbit once satellite construction and launch costs are factored in.

Google invested $900 million in SpaceX in 2015, according to regulatory filings.

TechCrunch has reached out to Google and SpaceX for comment.



Source link

  • Related Posts

    Everything Google announced at its Android Show, from Googlebooks to vibe-coded widgets

    At Google’s virtual Android Show: I/O Edition event on Tuesday, the tech giant announced a series of upcoming updates and features, including improved Gemini Intelligence features; new hardware called Googlebook;…

    Is Big Brother watching you shop? – podcast | Facial recognition

    Live facial recognition is being hailed as a powerful new frontier in the fight against crime, not only by police but by private companies too. Retailers from supermarkets to corner…

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    You Missed

    Watch Morning Live here

    Watch Morning Live here

    Iran steps up executions, internal crackdown as war drags on

    Iran steps up executions, internal crackdown as war drags on

    Wes Streeting leaves No 10 after planned talks with Keir Starmer last less than 20 minutes – UK politics live | Politics

    Wes Streeting leaves No 10 after planned talks with Keir Starmer last less than 20 minutes – UK politics live | Politics

    Here’s Where All The Aluminum Goes After A Commercial Aircraft Crashes

    Here’s Where All The Aluminum Goes After A Commercial Aircraft Crashes

    Hansen, Artemis II crew to meet with Carney during event-filled day in Ottawa

    Hansen, Artemis II crew to meet with Carney during event-filled day in Ottawa

    Everything Google announced at its Android Show, from Googlebooks to vibe-coded widgets

    Everything Google announced at its Android Show, from Googlebooks to vibe-coded widgets