According to SpaceX research, undeveloped technology is still required for space-based activities such as AI data centers and settlements on the Moon and Mars.
SpaceX has warned investors in its IPO filing that space-based AI data centers and settlements on the Moon and Mars depend on unproven technologies and may not be commercially viable. This stands in contrast to statements made by CEO Elon Musk.
The document is part of the preparations for what could become the largest IPO in history. SpaceX is aiming for a listing in the coming months with a valuation of approximately $1.75 trillion and a capital raise of $75 billion.
Space as a high-risk environment
In the registration document, seen by Reuters, SpaceX writes that its initiatives for AI computing in orbit require “significant technical complexity and unproven technologies.” Future AI data centers in Earth orbit will operate in “the harsh and unpredictable environment of space,” where many risks exist that could cause malfunctions or outages.
Starship as a critical link
SpaceX also emphasizes in the document its heavy reliance on Starship, its next-generation fully reusable rocket. It has already experienced several delays and failed tests. Any failure or delay in the development of Starship would slow down or limit the company’s growth strategy, according to the document.
Starship is designed to carry larger payloads than the Falcon 9 and is intended to drastically reduce launch costs for Starlink satellites, space data centers, and manned missions. SpaceX did not respond to a request for comment.