Articles tagged with "satellites"
Elon Musk’s SpaceX officially acquires Elon Musk’s xAI, with plan to build data centers in space
SpaceX has officially acquired Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence startup, xAI, forming a combined entity valued at approximately $1.25 trillion. The acquisition aims primarily to develop space-based data centers, a concept Musk has emphasized due to the limitations and environmental impact of terrestrial AI data centers, which require vast amounts of power and cooling. Musk highlighted that current AI infrastructure on Earth cannot sustainably meet global electricity demands without causing hardship to communities and the environment. The merger unites two Musk-led companies facing financial challenges: xAI reportedly burns about $1 billion monthly, while SpaceX generates most of its revenue from launching Starlink satellites. The integration of SpaceX and xAI is expected to create a continuous revenue stream through the deployment of numerous satellites necessary for these space-based data centers, although Musk did not specify the exact number. This satellite deployment aligns with regulatory requirements mandating de-orbiting every five years, ensuring ongoing business activity. Despite the long-term goal of space data centers, the companies currently have
energydata-centersspace-technologysatellitesartificial-intelligenceSpaceXxAISpaceX seeks approval for solar-powered orbital data centers for AI
SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, has filed a request with the FCC to launch up to one million solar-powered satellites designed to serve as orbital data centers for artificial intelligence (AI). These satellites would leverage constant solar energy and natural vacuum cooling in low-Earth orbit (500-2,000 km altitude) to overcome the significant electricity and water consumption challenges faced by terrestrial AI infrastructure. The move aims to reduce environmental impact and operational costs while enabling AI growth beyond the limitations of Earth’s power grids. This filing coincides with SpaceX’s ongoing talks to merge with Musk’s AI startup, xAI, potentially positioning SpaceX ahead of competitors like Google, Meta, and OpenAI. The project’s feasibility depends heavily on SpaceX’s Starship rocket, which promises dramatically lower launch costs and the capacity to deliver millions of tons of payload to orbit annually. By securing FCC approval for a large satellite fleet, SpaceX aims to meet the anticipated demand from a billion AI users and establish space as the most
energysolar-powerorbital-data-centersSpaceXAI-infrastructuresatellitesStarship-rocketsChina launches two experimental target detection satellites to orbit
China successfully launched two experimental satellites, Shijian 29A and 29B, on December 31, 2025, using a Long March 7A rocket from the Wenchang Space Launch Center. These satellites are part of a technology demonstration mission to test new space-based target detection technologies. The launch marked China’s 92nd orbital mission of 2025 and the 623rd flight of the Long March rocket family, underscoring a record year for the nation’s space program. Shijian 29A was developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, while Shijian 29B was built by the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites, both subsidiaries of major Chinese aerospace organizations. The Shijian satellite series has a history of testing advanced space capabilities, including on-orbit refueling and towing maneuvers, as demonstrated by earlier satellites Shijian 21 and 25. Although China’s space administration remains secretive about the specifics of Sh
satellitesspace-technologytarget-detectionLong-March-rocketon-orbit-refuelingspace-innovationaerospace-materials'Design for demise' satellites emit ozone-depleting aluminum: Study
A recent study by researchers at MaiaSpace, a subsidiary of ArianeGroup, reveals that the widely adopted “Design for Demise” (D4D) protocol for satellites, which ensures spacecraft burn up completely upon re-entry to minimize ground risk, is inadvertently harming the stratospheric ozone layer. As satellites re-enter the atmosphere and disintegrate, they release aluminum oxide nanoparticles—a byproduct of ablating aluminum components—that catalyze harmful chemical reactions between atmospheric chlorine and ozone. This pollution has reportedly increased eightfold over six years, posing a growing threat to the planet’s natural UV shield. The researchers advocate for a “Design for Non-Demise” (D4ND) approach, where satellites are engineered to survive re-entry and perform controlled descents into remote ocean areas, thereby preventing the release of toxic atmospheric particles. While this method could protect the ozone layer and maintain ground safety, it requires satellites to be more robust, heavier, and equipped with advanced propulsion systems, leading to higher launch
materialssatellitesaerospaceatmospheric-pollutionaluminum-oxideenvironmental-impactspace-debrisAI from orbit: 6G research explores satellites as moving edge servers
The article discusses innovative research in 6G networks that envisions satellites as integral components of edge computing, enabling seamless artificial intelligence (AI) services on a global scale. With 6G commercialization anticipated around 2030, researchers from the University of Hong Kong and Xidian University propose a "space–ground fluid AI" framework that integrates satellites into space–ground integrated networks (SGINs). This approach transforms satellites into both communication hubs and computing servers, addressing challenges such as satellite mobility and limited space–ground link capacity. The framework enables AI models and data to flow continuously between satellites and ground stations, extending traditional edge AI architectures into orbit. The space–ground fluid AI framework is built on three core techniques: fluid learning, fluid inference, and fluid model downloading. Fluid learning uses an infrastructure-free federated learning scheme that leverages satellite motion to mix and spread AI model parameters, turning satellite movement into an advantage for faster training convergence and improved accuracy. Fluid inference optimizes real-time AI decision
IoTedge-computing6GsatellitesAIspace-ground-networkscommunication-technologyNASA launches DiskSat to expand what small satellites can do in space
NASA has launched the DiskSat mission, deploying four flat, disk-shaped small satellites into low Earth orbit to test a novel spacecraft design aimed at expanding the capabilities of low-cost missions. Unlike traditional CubeSats, DiskSats are about 40 inches in diameter and only one inch thick, providing significantly more surface area for larger antennas, sensors, and higher power generation. Developed by The Aerospace Corporation and funded by NASA’s Small Spacecraft and Distributed Systems program, DiskSat retains CubeSat advantages such as standardized launch containers and common subsystems, helping to keep costs low while enhancing design flexibility. Each DiskSat is equipped with electric propulsion, enabling altitude adjustments, orbit maintenance, and controlled maneuvers, with a focus on operating at very low Earth orbits below 186 miles. This low orbit offers benefits like sharper Earth imagery and lower communication latency, while the disk shape reduces atmospheric drag to sustain such orbits. The mission also tests a new deployment system that sequentially releases the satellites from a custom
satellitessmall-spacecraftspace-technologyelectric-propulsionCubeSat-alternativelow-Earth-orbitsatellite-designSolar storm could cripple Starlink satellites, trigger orbital chaos
Researchers warn that the rapidly growing network of satellites, particularly mega-constellations like SpaceX’s Starlink, is increasingly vulnerable to extreme space weather events such as solar storms. These storms heat Earth’s atmosphere, increasing drag on satellites and forcing them to use more fuel for orbit maintenance and collision avoidance. A recent solar event in May 2024 caused over half of low Earth orbit satellites to expend fuel repositioning. This heightened activity, combined with the risk of solar storms damaging satellite communication and navigation systems, raises the likelihood of a catastrophic chain reaction known as Kessler Syndrome, where collisions generate debris that triggers further collisions, potentially rendering space unusable. The problem is exacerbated by the sheer number of collision avoidance maneuvers required; SpaceX’s Starlink satellites performed 50,000 such maneuvers over four years, and projections suggest this could reach about a million every six months by 2028. To quantify the risk, Princeton researchers introduced the Collision Realization and Significant Harm
satellitesspace-weathersolar-stormStarlinkorbital-debrisKessler-Syndromesatellite-collision-avoidanceChina's 156 satellites in Xingyan constellation to prevent collision
China is advancing its independent space traffic monitoring capabilities by developing the Xingyan (Star Eye) satellite constellation, which will ultimately include 156 satellites designed to track objects in orbit and reduce collision risks for commercial operators. Developed by Xingtu Cekong, a spin-off of geospatial data leader Zhongke Xingtu, the constellation aims to provide global coverage of low Earth orbit and focused monitoring of higher orbits, with updates every 30 minutes. The full system is expected to be operational after 2028, with 12 satellites planned for launch by 2027. This initiative complements China’s earlier launch of the Guangshi constellation, operated by Beijing Kaiyun United, which will consist of 24 satellites to enhance space situational awareness for both civilian and commercial use. These efforts reflect China’s goal to lessen reliance on foreign tracking data and improve the safety and efficiency of orbital operations amid the growing number of satellites and debris in space. The Xingyan system will employ AI-enabled sensors to detect debris,
IoTsatellitesspace-situational-awarenessAIcollision-avoidancespace-traffic-managementsatellite-constellationSpace-based US solar firm breaks world record for beaming wireless electricity
Star Catcher Industries, a US-based space solar power company, has set a new world record by wirelessly beaming 1.1 kW of power during tests at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, surpassing the previous 800 W record held by DARPA. Using off-the-shelf solar panels and an optical multi-spectrum laser system, Star Catcher’s technology transmits concentrated light beams to solar arrays, enabling efficient wireless power transfer. This approach differs from DARPA’s microwave-based method and aims to first enhance power supply to satellites in orbit before eventually beaming energy down to Earth. Space-based solar power, originally proposed in 1968 by aerospace engineer Peter Glaser, offers continuous electricity generation unaffected by weather or day-night cycles by placing solar collectors in space. Star Catcher envisions creating a resilient orbital power grid that collects and refines sunlight into optimized wavelengths for client spacecraft, potentially increasing their power output two to tenfold without requiring retrofits. The company plans an orbital demonstration next
energysolar-powerwireless-electricityspace-based-solarpower-beamingsatellitesrenewable-energyGrowing weak spot in Earth's magnetic field puts astronauts at risk
A weak spot in Earth’s magnetic field known as the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) is expanding and intensifying, posing increased risks to satellites and astronauts. Data collected over the past decade by the European Space Agency’s Swarm satellite constellation reveals that since 2014, the SAA has grown by an area roughly half the size of continental Europe and has weakened by 336 nanoteslas. This region’s magnetic field is less able to shield against harmful solar radiation, exposing satellites and crew aboard the International Space Station to higher levels of charged particles that can disrupt electronics and pose health risks. The changes in Earth’s magnetic field are linked to complex processes in the planet’s molten iron core and the shifting of the northern magnetic pole toward Siberia. While the SAA weakens and expands over the South Atlantic, a strong magnetic region over Siberia has grown both in size and intensity, increasing by 0.42 percent of Earth’s surface area and gaining 260 nanoteslas in strength
energysatellitesspace-radiationEarth's-magnetic-fieldgeomagnetic-anomalyastronaut-safetyspace-technologyElon Musk suggests AI satellites could dial down global warming
Elon Musk has publicly endorsed the concept of space-based solar radiation management (SRM) as a potential tool to combat global warming. SRM involves reflecting a portion of the Sun’s rays away from Earth to reduce global temperatures, and Musk suggested that a constellation of AI-powered satellites could make precise adjustments to the amount of solar energy reaching the planet. This idea, which merges climate science with aerospace engineering, has divided the scientific community due to its technical complexity and uncertain environmental impacts. While Musk’s position carries significant weight given SpaceX’s extensive satellite infrastructure, experts caution that deploying SRM at a planetary scale faces enormous technical, ethical, and geopolitical challenges. Potential risks include unpredictable disruptions to weather patterns and international conflicts over control of such technology. Although startups have begun experimenting with various geoengineering approaches, these remain largely theoretical and far from practical implementation. Musk’s involvement, however, signals growing interest in radical climate interventions as global temperatures continue to rise and traditional emissions reduction efforts fall short.
AIsatellitesenergyclimate-changesolar-radiation-managementgeoengineeringspace-technologyElon Musk’s Starlink fleet is burning up in orbit, scientists say
Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starlink satellite constellation is experiencing an unprecedented rate of satellite deorbiting, with up to four satellites burning up daily in Earth’s atmosphere as of 2025. Astronomer Jonathan McDowell notes that this number could rise to five per day as the network expands. While the fiery reentries have sparked public concern, scientists emphasize that Starlink satellites are designed to fully disintegrate upon reentry, posing no direct threat to people on the ground. Currently, about 8,500 Starlink satellites operate within a total of 12,000 active satellites in low-Earth orbit, most with a lifespan of roughly five years. The primary safety concern lies not with Starlink’s controlled reentries but with uncontrolled debris from defunct satellites and rocket stages, which can survive reentry and potentially land on Earth. As the number of satellites grows, so does the risk of collisions and space debris fallout. Additionally, researchers are investigating the environmental impact of the materials released
IoTsatellitesspace-debrisStarlinkSpaceXsatellite-technologyorbital-energy-managementNew space startup Lux Aeterna wants to make satellites reusable
Lux Aeterna, a Denver-based space startup emerging from stealth mode, aims to revolutionize satellite technology by creating reusable satellites. Their first design, called Delphi, is planned for launch and landing in 2027. Unlike traditional satellites that burn up in the atmosphere or are moved to "graveyard" orbits at the end of their operational life, Delphi is designed to survive multiple re-entries using a conical heat shield inspired by proven NASA spacecraft designs. This reusability could significantly reduce costs and increase flexibility in satellite deployment, as current satellites are typically designed to remain in orbit for years without modification. The startup has attracted $4 million in pre-seed funding from investors including Space Capital, Dynamo Ventures, and Mission One Capital, and has garnered interest from the Department of Defense due to the strategic importance of low-Earth orbit. Founder and CEO Brian Taylor, who has experience with SpaceX’s Starlink, Amazon’s Kuiper program, and Loft Orbital, envisions leveraging heavy
satellitesreusable-technologyspace-startupaerospace-engineeringheat-shieldsatellite-re-entryspace-innovationAmazon’s first 27 internet satellites launch to space
Amazonsatellitesspace-launchinternet-connectivityProject-Kuipertechnologyaerospace