Overview
- FCC’s Space Bureau accepted SpaceX’s Orbital Data Center application for filing and set a public comment deadline in early March, noting the step does not constitute approval.
- SpaceX proposes up to one million low‑orbit satellites (500–2,000 km) using high‑bandwidth optical links to process data in space and hand off traffic through Starlink to ground stations.
- The filing includes requests for waivers on NGSO milestones, surety bond requirements, and certain disclosure details, which the Commission will evaluate during the review.
- Researchers and analysts cite major hurdles, including collision and debris risks, astronomical interference, radiation effects on electronics, heat rejection, and on‑orbit maintenance challenges.
- The application arrives days after Musk consolidated xAI into SpaceX, with FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr flagging the filing and SpaceX framing the concept as a long‑term step that would leverage Starship for large‑scale deployment.