SpaceX is making progress in its plans to deploy Nvidia-enabled artificial intelligence computers in orbit next year, continuing Musk’s bold approach in setting up an infrastructure for computing in space.
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As Musk said, he is extremely confident about the fact that SpaceX will put Nvidia’s Vera Rubin NVL72 AI computers into space in 2027. This information is in line with the time frame proposed by the company’s Starmind project to create an infrastructure for AI computing in space without relying on data centers.
According to SpaceX, its first AI-based satellite called AI1 will be launched by the end of 2027. It is noted that the project has the potential to grow significantly by 2028. The mentioned schedule appears to be about one year ahead of what was presented before to investors.
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SpaceX Strengthens Nvidia AI Hardware Partnership
It will also serve as a way for Nvidia to increase its influence in SpaceX’s future AI efforts. Speaking during SpaceX’s first-ever earnings call last month, Musk confirmed that the company intends to use only Nvidia’s hardware for its AI operations.
“Vera Rubin architecture is the best AI computer design out there,” said Musk about Nvidia’s computer architecture. Moreover, he praised the fact that the new computer does not feature cables in its rack design.
The news brought forth mixed reactions in the stock market. Nvidia’s stock rose above 4% following the confirmation by SpaceX of its hardware plan. On the other hand, SpaceX’s stock fell over 10% but recovered a little bit later. The disparity was due to investors’ optimism regarding Nvidia and the challenges posed by constructing computing facilities in space.
Musk has even talked about an even bigger plan for orbital computing. Before, he talked about how in the future SpaceX might be able to put up to one million data centers in orbit. His theory is that space-based facilities might not have to deal with certain problems that Earth-based ones do.
The first is the land problem, and then electricity, along with the issue of locals opposing such a project. Also, space-based facilities could take advantage of constant sunlight for their solar energy needs. But making it a reality would need big technological breakthroughs.
Wall Street has begun assessing how big this project might be. The Wall Street Journal reported that JPMorgan’s Doug Anmuth estimates that by 2029 to 2031, SpaceX could build 75 gigawatts of computational power in orbit. This would be an important addition to the existing computational infrastructure that is not based on data centers.
SpaceX Faces Major Technical Challenges
It is estimated that the height of the first Starmind satellite will be 20 meters, while its wingspan will be 70 meters. The power consumption of the satellite is also estimated to reach 150 kilowatts, while average computing power will be 120 kilowatts. The system is also supposed to have latency of about three milliseconds.
There are several challenges related to the use of high-performance AI processors in outer space. For example, Nvidia processors should be protected against space radiation and sharp temperature changes. Additionally, the company needs to design a proper heat dissipation mechanism since it is impossible to use air in space.
Starship is another crucial element of the strategy. SpaceX will have to come up with a dependable launch vehicle that can transport numerous satellites into space in a routine manner. Development challenges of Starship have pushed its launch capability to be an essential consideration for Starlink.
There has been criticism of the project from certain tech executives. According to Brad Smith, the president of Microsoft, it would surprise him if companies shift from Earth-based data centers to those in low Earth orbit soon.
SpaceX Plans Nvidia AI Computers in Space
For Nvidia, this project with SpaceX may lead to yet another channel of demand for its future AI hardware. Should the Starmind system become big enough, orbital computing will be yet another market where Nvidia can sell its Vera Rubin hardware.
As far as SpaceX is concerned, the question here is whether this concept is even feasible. Launching the prototype by 2027 is a key milestone, although the ultimate success of the project will largely depend on Starship reliability, performance of satellites, heat dissipation, radiation shielding, and the cost of running AI computers in space.
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