Musk's SpaceX applies to launch 1M satellites into orbit (www.bbc.co.uk)

Elon Musk's SpaceX has submitted an application to launch one million satellites into Earth's orbit, aiming to create "orbital data centres" that would significantly enhance the processing power available for artificial intelligence (AI). This ambitious plan is positioned as a solution to the soaring demand for AI computing capabilities, which SpaceX argues is already exceeding traditional terrestrial data centre capacities. The proposed solar-powered satellites would vastly expand SpaceX's existing Starlink network, which currently comprises nearly 10,000 satellites. The significance of this initiative lies in its potential to revolutionize how AI is powered, taking a step towards the ambitious goal of becoming a Kardashev II civilization capable of harnessing the Sun's energy. Operating at low Earth orbit altitudes between 500 to 2,000 km, these satellites would be designed to function more sustainably than legacy data centres, which are resource-intensive. However, experts have raised concerns about the implications of increasing satellite congestion in space, including risks of collisions and challenges related to space debris, which could complicate the proposed infrastructure's operation and safety. As SpaceX continues to counter criticisms regarding space congestion and interference with astronomical research, this move underscores the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of AI and satellite technology.