SpaceX and Nvidia to take AI data centres into orbit:How does AI computing work in space and how it will transform computing on Earth

What if the next big AI data centre isn’t on Earth at all? SpaceX and Nvidia are working on a plan to take powerful AI computing hardware into orbit, potentially creating a new kind of data centre in space. The companies are developing a space-optimised version of Nvidia’s Vera Rubin NVL72 computing system for SpaceX’s AI infrastructure. They are also working on a first-generation ‘Starmind’ AI satellite, with the first launch targeted for the fourth quarter of 2027. SpaceX and Nvidia’s plan to put AI in orbit The partnership aims to adapt Nvidia’s powerful AI computing technology for the much harsher conditions of space. Musk said: SpaceX, in partnership with Nvidia, has designed a space-optimized Vera Rubin NVL72 system for launch to orbit in Q4 next year, with significant scale in 2028. He also described the orbital design as: Significantly simpler, lower cost, denser and lighter than a traditional rack. The idea is to take the computing architecture used in large AI data centres and redesign it so it can operate on a satellite in orbit. What is Starmind? Starmind is SpaceX’s planned orbital AI computing system. The first-generation Starmind AI satellite will use an optimised version of Nvidia’s Vera Rubin NVL72 rack-scale system.
Instead of keeping all the computing hardware inside a traditional Earth-based data centre, the system would operate in space. The companies want the hardware and software used in orbit to remain compatible with their Earth-based AI infrastructure. This could make it easier to move AI workloads between terrestrial and orbital computing systems. How will AI computing work in space? The basic idea is similar to an Earth-based data centre, but the environment is very different. 1. Solar power
Satellites can use large solar arrays to generate electricity. 2. AI computing hardware
Nvidia’s processors would run AI models and handle tasks such as data processing, simulations and code execution. 3. Processing in orbit
Instead of sending all raw data back to Earth first, some information could potentially be processed directly in space. 4. Data sent to Earth
The useful results can then be transmitted back to Earth through high-speed satellite communication networks. Why move AI computing into space? AI data centres need huge amounts of power, cooling and land. Space could offer an alternative: However, space-based AI is still experimental and faces major technical challenges. What is Nvidia bringing to the project? Nvidia is providing the AI computing technology. Its Vera Rubin platform is designed for demanding AI workloads, particularly the growing class of systems known as agentic AI. Unlike a chatbot that only generates an answer, agentic AI can perform a series of actions, such as: Understand a task → use tools → write or execute code → process information → run simulations → complete the task Why this matters to India India is also rapidly expanding its AI and space capabilities, making the idea particularly relevant. The country is building more AI infrastructure while ISRO and India’s private space companies are putting more satellites into orbit. As the amount of data generated by satellites grows, processing some of that information in space could eventually become an interesting area for India as well. India, however, has not announced an equivalent orbital AI data-centre programme to SpaceX’s Starmind project, so this should currently be viewed as a possible future opportunity rather than an existing Indian programme. But can AI data centres really work in space? This is where the biggest challenges begin. Space is not simply an easier location for a data centre. Will space replace AI data centres on Earth? The SpaceX-Nvidia project is better understood as an experiment to see whether space can become another location for AI computing, rather than a replacement for terrestrial data centres. The first major test is expected in late 2027, when SpaceX and Nvidia plan to send the space-optimised Vera Rubin system into orbit. If the technology works and can be scaled economically, it could open a new chapter in the AI race.