Dorothy

SpaceX has filed a request with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to deploy up to 1 million solar-powered satellite data centers in low Earth orbit, a proposal that would vastly expand its Starlink infrastructure. The company frames the initiative as a step toward harnessing solar energy at scale, with TechCrunch noting SpaceX’s ambition to achieve “Kardashev II-level civilization” status by tapping into the Sun’s full power. However, The Verge and other observers suggest that such an expansive request may be a strategic starting point for regulatory negotiations, as SpaceX has previously sought approval for larger satellite numbers than ultimately deployed. Meanwhile, Amazon has booked 10 additional SpaceX launches to address a “near-term shortage in launch capacity,” underscoring growing commercial demand for the company’s services. In parallel, SpaceX is reportedly moving toward a corporate restructuring by merging with Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence firm xAI—a move TechCrunch describes as part of a broader trend toward founder-led conglomerates in Silicon Valley, fueled by Musk’s $800 billion net worth and his emphasis on “velocity of innovation.” While Ars Technica confirms ongoing discussions about the potential merger and highlights SpaceX’s continued operational growth, it does not endorse or analyze the broader implications of Musk’s expanding influence. The core facts—that SpaceX is seeking regulatory approval for a large satellite network and exploring corporate consolidation with xAI—are agreed upon across sources, but interpretations vary: TechCrunch frames these moves as visionary and transformative, while The Verge and Ars Technica emphasize practical regulatory and market dynamics without endorsing the scale of ambition.