# Orbital Data Centers Test AI Tech in Space

> SpaceX plans 1 million orbital data centers by 2027 to handle AI computing.
- Title: Orbital Data Centers Test AI Tech in Space · Kiplinger
- Summary: SpaceX plans 1 million orbital data centers by 2027 to handle AI computing. SpaceX aims to launch 1 million orbital data centers by 2027 using AI chips to…
- Keywords: space, data centers, spacex, musk, orbit, starlink, tensor processing units, starship, nvidia, Orbital, Data, Centers
- Source: Kiplinger — https://kiplinger.com/business/orbital-data-centers-are-about-to-be-put-to-the-test
- Published: 2026-10-21T11:15:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: space, ai, data centers, spacex, musk, orbit, starlink, tensor processing units, starship, nvidia
## Google tests AI chips in space
Google launched its first test computer chips to handle space vibrations, radiation, and extreme temperatures.

> Google is working with satellite firm Planet to see if AI chips survive space phenomena that can 'wreak havoc on electronics.'
## SpaceX targets 1 million orbital data centers
SpaceX plans to launch 1 million orbital data centers by 2027 using AI chips and solar panels.

> SpaceX said in its IPO prospectus: 'We believe orbital AI compute is an incredibly difficult technical challenge that only we can solve at scale in the near term.'
## Orbital data centers use 100 gigawatts of power
SpaceX's orbital data centers use up to 100 gigawatts of power, 100 times more than Earth's largest data center.

> The largest data center on Earth, owned by SpaceX, uses about 1 gigawatt of power.
## SpaceX satellites have solar panels and radiators
SpaceX satellites are 100 feet high with a 250-foot wingspan, covered in solar panels and an 1,800-square-foot radiator.

> The satellites will be 100 feet high with a 250-foot wingspan, covered in solar panels and an 1,800-square-foot radiator with liquid cooling.
## Orbital data centers face technical challenges
Orbital data centers need to handle space vibrations, radiation, extreme temperatures, and heat radiation without airflow.

> For some reason there's been a bizarre debate about radiators in space, 'It's safe to say, SpaceX knows how to do heat rejection in space, with 10,000 satellites in orbit.'
## SpaceX uses Nvidia chips initially
SpaceX currently uses Nvidia chips but plans to build its own chips at its Terafab facility in Texas.

> For now, SpaceX is using Nvidia chips, but the space giant eventually wants to build its own chips at its Terafab facility in Texas.
## Orbital data centers need high-bandwidth lasers
Orbital data centers require high-bandwidth lasers to connect and send data back to Earth quickly.

> Orbital data centers also need to be connected to each other by high-bandwidth lasers and send data speedily back to Earth.
## Chips need replacement every 5 years
Orbital data chips must be replaced every 5 years due to harsh space conditions.

> The chips will have to be replaced every 5 years or so, if not more often because of the harsh conditions.
## SpaceX expects AI demand to drive launches
SpaceX expects AI demand to drive hourly Starship launches, creating a need for orbital data centers.

> AI data centers could come to dominate the payloads of its rockets, just as Starlink satellites have.
## Key takeaway

SpaceX aims to launch 1 million orbital data centers by 2027 using AI chips to bypass Earth's power limits.