Overview
- SpaceX has refocused from Mars to the Moon, promoting a plan to build Moonbase Alpha and a mass driver to launch satellites, with Reuters noting the company is also signaling an IPO later this year.
- SpaceX has merged with Musk’s xAI in a deal reported at roughly a $1.25 trillion valuation, positioning the combined venture to integrate launch, orbital infrastructure and AI development.
- Musk’s concept calls for manufacturing on the lunar surface and using an electromagnetic launcher to send AI satellites into deep space toward a constellation that could reach up to one million units, alongside orbital data centers targeting 100–200 GW per year initially.
- Reporting indicates SpaceX is aiming for an uncrewed lunar landing as early as March 2027 as part of the Moon-first shift.
- Competitive pressure is rising as Blue Origin reorients resources to its Blue Moon lander with an uncrewed mission planned this year, while experts highlight major technical and power hurdles for a multi-kilometer lunar mass driver and on-Moon manufacturing.