【AI前沿】Report: Google and SpaceX in talks to put data centers into orbit

In BriefPosted:10:30 AM PDT · May 12, 2026Image Credits:SpaceX(opens in a new window)Rebecca BellanReport: Google and SpaceX in talks to put data centers into orbitGoogle and SpaceX are in talks to launch orbital data centers in space,reportsThe Wall Street Journal, citing sources familiar with the matter.The potential deal comes as SpaceX gears up for its$1.75 trillion IPOlater this year, selling investors on the idea that data centers in space will be the cheapest place to put AI compute within the next few years. It also followsAnthropic’s deal with SpaceXlast week to use computing resources from xAI’s data center in Memphis, Tennessee, with the potential to work together on orbital ones in the future. (SpaceX acquired xAI in February.)Google is reportedly talking to other rocket-launch companies as well. The company also plans to launch prototype satellites by 2027 as part of an initiative called Project Suncatcher, announced late last year.Elon Musk hascreated hypefor orbital data centers, claiming they are cheaper to operate. Advocates also point out they are free from the local backlash that U.S. ground-based buildouts attract. However, asTechCrunch recently reported, today’s terrestrial data centers are much cheaper than those in orbit once satellite construction and launch costs are factored in.Google invested $900 million in SpaceX in 2015, according toregulatory filings.TechCrunch has reached out to Google and SpaceX for comment.TopicsAI,Alphabet,Anthropic,Google,In Brief,orbital data centers,Space,SpaceX,xAIMay 27Athens, GreeceStrictlyVC Athens is up next. Hear unfiltered insights straight from Europe’s tech leaders and connect with the people shaping what’s ahead. Lock in your spot before it’s gone.REGISTER NOWNewslettersSee MoreSubscribe for the industry’s biggest tech newsTechCrunch Daily NewsEvery weekday and Sunday, you can get the best of TechCrunch’s coverage.TechCrunch MobilityTechCrunch Mobility is your destination for transportation news and insight.Startups WeeklyStartups are the core of TechCrunch, so get our best coverage delivered weekly.StrictlyVCProvides movers and shakers with the info they need to start their day.No newsletters selected.SubscribeBy submitting your email, you agree to ourTermsandPrivacy Notice.RelatedTransportation‘Too early’ to talk IPO, Redwood Materials’ incoming CFO saysSean O’Kane1 day agoAIThere aren’t enough rockets for space data centers — Cowboy Space raised $275M to build themTim Fernholz1 day agoAIGoogle Cloud surpasses $20B, but says growth was capacity-constrainedSarah PerezApr 29, 2026Latest in AIAIMedicare’s new payment model is built for AI, and most of the tech world has no ideaConnie Loizos8 minutes agoAIMusk mulled handing OpenAI to his children, Altman testifiesTim Fernholz6 hours agoVentureAnthropic warns investors against secondary platforms offering access to its sharesRam Iyer7 hours ago