SpaceX’s 1 Million Satellite Data Centers: Ambition Meets Real-World Limits

SpaceX’s plan to orbit up to 1 million data-center satellites is under FCC review. Gwynne Shotwell says the target is aspirational and may not be reached, but the company is starting with a high ceiling. Satellites could orbit Earth, the Moon, or even the Sun to manage congestion, while critics cite light pollution, atmospheric impact, and space-safety concerns. Rival firms are proposing their own large constellations, and SpaceX has signaled a cautious, phased approach with testing before scaling.