In what is nothing short of a huge shocker, SpaceX has just filed a new request with the FCC, asking for authorization to launch and operate up to 1 million new satellites to power AI-geared computing, constituting the first tangible step towards a "Kardashev II-level civilization."
SpaceX: "Launching a million satellites that operate as orbital data centers is a first step towards becoming a Kardashev II-level civilization"
The filing goes on to note:
"Launching a million satellites that operate as orbital data centers is a first step towards becoming a Kardashev II-level civilization—one that can harness the Sun's full power-while supporting Al-driven applications for billions of people today and ensuring humanity's multi-planetary future amongst the stars."
Basically, SpaceX wants to harness the round-the-clock solar energy that is available in space to power AI-related compute functions. This strategy closely mimics the one that a Type II civilization on the Kardashev scale would presumably deploy, replete with a Dyson sphere - a megastructure of solar panels that completely surrounds a star, thereby harnessing nearly all of its energy output. Here though, the satellites would orbit the Earth instead of the Sun.
This comes as SpaceX just received authorization from the FCC to operate up to 15,000 of its second-generation (Gen2) Starlink satellites. This means that the company can now launch around 7,500 new satellites to bring its total second-gen strength to 15,000 units.
For the benefit of those who might not be aware, SpaceX's Gen2 Starlink satellites offer a higher capacity and lower latency, while allowing for:
- A 20x increase in throughput
- Direct-to-Cell capability by allowing Gen2 satellites to connect to unmodified cellular handsets.
- Greater orbital maneuverability and an autonomous collision avoidance system.
Moreover, there is an increasing likelihood that SpaceX's Starlink will power the direct-to-cell connectivity feature of the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, next-gen iPhones are expected to support 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) technology, which allows cell towers to use satellites to extend their coverage.
Even so, nothing comes close to the grand designs and ambitions that SpaceX has just delineated via its latest FCC request, which enters the history books as the first viable commercial step towards a Kardashev Type II-level future for the entire human race.
About the author: Writing is my one incontrovertible passion. Over the past six years, he has authored over 2,200 distinct articles on financial and tech-related topics, spanning nearly 1 million words. And he has been a member of Wcctech mobile team since 2025. As an alumnus of the University of Toronto, Rotman Commerce Program, I bring nuance, in-depth knowledge, and a unique perspective to every topic that I cover. When I'm not writing, I'm traveling the world, exploring hidden confectionaries and restaurants as an aspiring food connoisseur.
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