Google, SpaceX in talks to explore data centers in orbit, WSJ reports

Synopsis

Google is in talks with Elon Musk's SpaceX for a rocket launch deal. The search giant aims to place orbital data centers in space. Google is also discussing deals with other rocket companies. This partnership would be Musk's second with an AI rival. SpaceX is preparing for a crucial IPO. Google is researching space-based data centers under Project Suncatcher.

Alphabet's Google is in talks with Elon Musk's SpaceX for a rocket launch deal as the search giant looks to put orbital data centers in space, the ‌Wall ⁠Street ⁠Journal reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the discussions.

Google is also in discussions about a potential deal with other rocket-launch companies, the report said.

SpaceX and Google did not immediately respond ⁠to Reuters' ‌requests for comments.

A partnership with Google would mark the second ⁠time Musk made peace with an AI rival he has publicly criticized, ahead of a widely anticipated and crucial IPO for SpaceX.

Last week, Anthropic agreed to use the full computing power of SpaceX's ‌Colossus 1 facility in Memphis and expressed interest in working with the rocket company ⁠to develop multiple gigawatts of space-based orbital data centers.

In November, Google said it was researching space-based data centers under Project Suncatcher, which aims to launch two prototype satellites by early 2027.