Elon Musk's Million-Satellite Vision: Space Megaconstellations, AI in Orbit and the Astronomy Impact

New Scientist dives into Elon Musk's proposed plan to merge SpaceX with XAI and launch a million satellites to create a space-based data center network that could power AI, while considering the practicalities and risks of such a megaconstellation. The episode explains the Kadashchev scale and where level two would fit, recaps SpaceX's current Starlink fleet, and examines energy and cooling challenges in orbit. The discussion also touches the economics of Starlink as a revenue engine for Starship ambitions, the potential impact on astronomy, and regulatory and geopolitical considerations. In parallel, the program explores two other science stories: a spike in melatonin use by children and the growing global burden of pesticides, examining long-term health risks, regulation and sustainable farming options.

Introduction and Space Ambitions

New Scientist hosts Penny Sashe and Rowan Hooper discuss Elon Musk's claim to turn Earth into a Kadashchev level II civilization by harnessing stellar power through space based data centers and a plan to launch a million satellites. They note SpaceX's ongoing Starlink constellation and speculate on a merger with XAI to fund an unprecedented orbital AI infrastructure.

From Starlink to a Million Satellites

Jonathan O'Callaghan explains that SpaceX currently operates about 9,500 satellites, accounting for a large share of orbit. The idea of a million additional satellites aims to create a global, space-based data center network, leveraging abundant solar energy and the cold of space to manage heat via radiators, a non-trivial technical challenge. A Star Cloud One demonstration showed a Nvidia chip in orbit to train language models, illustrating a potential path for orbital AI, though scalability remains uncertain.

Energy, Feasibility and Economics

Experts debate the feasibility, launch cadence, and costs of such a megaconstellation. Musk's motivations may include boosting SpaceX's value for an IPO and funding ambitions for Moon and Mars exploration. Starlink already provides substantial revenue, and NASA is a smaller portion of SpaceX's business than in the past, raising questions about the financial leverage of a million-satellite network.

Astronomy and Space Debris

The conversation turns to astronomy, where large satellite numbers threaten telescope observations. Studies suggest that hundreds of thousands to a million satellites could contaminate images, complicating discoveries of distant events and objects. Solutions may involve higher telescopes, better data processing, or improved satellite dimness, but the problem remains a major hurdle for ground and space-based astronomy.

Starship, Mars Ambitions, and Competition

Beyond satellites, the discussion touches on Starship's role in enabling rapid launches and funding for Mars missions, with consideration given to OpenAI and Anthropic as potential strategic competitors in AI. The panel weighs the risk that orbital data centers could become a dominant AI platform if SpaceX can deliver reliable power and cooling in space.

Melatonin Use in Children

In a separate segment, Alice Klein reports on the rise of melatonin use by children in the US and Australia, highlighting concerns about regulation and unknown long-term effects. Gummies marketed to children often contain mislabeled or excessive doses, prompting calls from regulators to crack down on imports and online sales.

Pesticides and Agricultural Policy

The program concludes with a discussion of pesticide risk reduction goals, the difficulty of measuring real-world exposure, and the concept of total applied toxicity. Data show pises in toxicity and usage from 2013 to 2019, with climate change and growth in demand presenting ongoing challenges. The conversation surveys organic farming, integrated pest management, and the economics of funding such shifts, underscoring that policy and subsidies must align with ecological and food-system needs.

Conclusion

The episode underscores the interconnectedness of space ambition, AI, health and agriculture, emphasizing curiosity, careful risk assessment, and the need for robust data to guide ambitious scientific and policy decisions.