SpaceX has acquired xAI, combining AI model development with launch systems, satellite networks, and space-based infrastructure, as first reported by AIstify. The acquisition brings xAI’s research and model training efforts inside SpaceX, creating a vertically integrated organization spanning AI, rockets, orbital communications, and satellite operations.
The strategy centers on the idea that terrestrial data centers face mounting limits related to power consumption, cooling, and environmental impact. By leveraging SpaceX’s launch capacity and satellite expertise, the combined organization is exploring orbital data centers powered by near-continuous solar energy. Starship is positioned as the key enabler, with projected payload capacity and launch frequency far beyond existing systems.
The acquisition signals a shift in how AI infrastructure may scale over the long term. Rather than relying solely on Earth-based facilities, SpaceX is framing space as future compute infrastructure, tying AI growth to launch economics, energy availability, and large-scale orbital deployment.