tech
April 5, 2026
Can orbital data centers help justify a massive valuation for SpaceX?
On the latest episode of TechCrunch's Equity podcast, we debated Elon Musk's vision for data centers in space.
TL;DR
- SpaceX has filed confidential paperwork for an IPO aiming to raise $75 billion at a $1.75 trillion valuation.
- Elon Musk envisions orbital data centers as a significant part of SpaceX's future.
- Opposition to ground-based data centers is increasing, potentially making space a more attractive alternative.
- Companies like Starcloud (a Y Combinator startup that raised $170 million) and Jeff Bezos are also pursuing space-based data center goals.
- SpaceX's role as a launch provider could generate substantial revenue from deploying these orbital data centers.
- The viability of space data centers remains an engineering and physics challenge.
- Musk's strategy often involves pitching grand future visions rather than current financial performance.
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