Dorothy

SpaceX has filed a request with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to deploy up to 1 million solar-powered satellites designed to function as orbital data centers, a move described by some outlets as part of a broader strategy to push the boundaries of space-based infrastructure. TechCrunch and The Verge both report that SpaceX frames this initiative as a step toward achieving a Kardashev Type II civilization—capable of harnessing the total energy output of the Sun—though The Verge notes that such a large-scale deployment is unlikely to be approved outright, suggesting the filing may serve as a negotiating tactic to secure approval for a smaller number of satellites. Meanwhile, Ars Technica and other neutral sources confirm the filing exists but do not endorse or amplify SpaceX’s long-term ideological framing, focusing instead on regulatory and technical feasibility. Separately, Blue Origin has paused its suborbital space tourism flights to redirect resources toward lunar development efforts. TechCrunch attributes this decision to alignment with former President Donald Trump’s stated goal of returning astronauts to the Moon by the end of his term, while Ars Technica presents the move as a strategic business decision aimed at “laying the groundwork for future success,” without mentioning political motivations. All sources agree that Blue Origin has halted tourism operations and is shifting focus to lunar technology, but differ in whether the pivot is primarily driven by political opportunity or long-term corporate planning.