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Elon Musk Pitches Lunar Factory and 'Mass Driver' to Build AI Satellites

The plan follows SpaceX’s takeover of xAI to link rocket launches with orbital computing.

Overview

  • At an internal xAI meeting, Musk said the company would “have to go to the Moon” to manufacture satellites needed to scale computing power for advanced AI.
  • He proposed installing an electromagnetic mass driver on the lunar surface to launch those satellites into space.
  • Musk characterized the Moon as a near-term stepping stone, discussing a self-sustaining lunar city before advancing to Mars.
  • His remarks came shortly after SpaceX combined with xAI to pursue space-based AI infrastructure such as orbital data centers.
  • No construction timeline or technical specifics were provided, and the emphasis on the Moon marks a shift from SpaceX’s traditionally Mars-first focus noted by former executives.