- cross-posted to:
- worldnews@lemmy.ml
- cross-posted to:
- worldnews@lemmy.ml
Elon Musk’s SpaceX has applied to launch one million satellites into Earth’s orbit to power artificial intelligence (AI).
The application claims “orbital data centres” are the most cost and energy-efficient way to meet the growing demand for AI computing power.
Traditionally, such centres are large warehouses full of powerful computers that process and store data. Musk’s aerospace firm claims processing needs due to the expanding use of AI are already outpacing “terrestrial capabilities”.
It would increase the number of SpaceX satellites in orbit drastically. Its existing Starlink network of nearly 10,000 satellites has already been accused of creating congestion in space, which Musk denies.
Well, this is a stupid idea and it’s probably not going to happen. That said, if someone were to do this, it probably wouldn’t contribute much to Kessler syndrome because you wouldn’t actually want a million free floating satellites, you’d want a million physically connected satellites. Picture satellites designed to link up into a giant grid. Effectively, that’s just adding 1 large satellite, built over a thousand launches. And you wouldn’t want it in low earth orbit either, you’d want it higher, where it could get sunlight 24/7 365. And at those middle orbits, between leo and gso, there’s really no competition for space there, that zone is empty.