SpaceX申请发射百万AI算力卫星 太空掀起数据中心建设潮

Core Viewpoint - SpaceX proposes the "Orbital Data Center System" to deploy up to 1 million satellites in low Earth orbit, aiming to provide computational power for AI models using solar energy, which is seen as a more economical and energy-efficient solution compared to traditional ground-based data centers [1][3][4]. Group 1: SpaceX's Proposal - SpaceX's application to the FCC highlights the rapid growth in demand for AI, machine learning, and edge computing, which exceeds the processing capabilities of ground infrastructure [3][4]. - The projected global data center electricity demand is expected to more than double by 2035, reaching approximately 1200-1700 terawatt-hours (TWh), potentially accounting for up to 4% of total global electricity consumption [3][4]. - The orbital data centers will operate at altitudes between 500 to 2000 kilometers, utilizing solar energy to minimize operational costs and environmental impact compared to terrestrial data centers [3][4]. Group 2: Technical Aspects - SpaceX plans to design various satellite hardware versions to optimize operational efficiency, with each satellite equipped with heat dissipation panels and a lifespan of five years [4]. - The new satellite constellation will feature high-speed laser links for data transmission, connecting to both the proposed system and existing Starlink satellites [4]. - SpaceX's reusable rocket technology, particularly the Starship, is expected to significantly reduce launch costs, enabling the deployment of substantial amounts of computational power in space [4][6]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Other companies, such as Google and Nvidia-supported Starcloud, are also exploring space-based computing solutions, with Google planning to launch its TPU satellites by 2027 and Starcloud having already sent satellites equipped with H100 chips into orbit [7][8]. - China's initiatives include the launch of 12 computing satellites by Zhijiang Laboratory, which will form a network capable of 1000 Peta Operations Per Second (POPS) [10]. - Beijing's plan for a space data center aims to establish a large-scale system with over 1 gigawatt (GW) of power, designed to host a million servers and provide AI computing capabilities in space [11].