A merger between SpaceX led by Elon Musk (일론 머스크) and AI startup xAI may look like a strategy to build a “space data centre”, but in reality securing funds to build AI infrastructure is a more pressing need, CNBC reported on Tuesday.
CNBC said the reason for seeking to combine SpaceX and xAI is the huge amount of money needed for AI infrastructure. SpaceX is preparing a $50 billion IPO at a valuation of up to $1.5 trillion, and CNBC said this is essential for Musk to secure competitiveness in the AI market.
SpaceX’s Starlink already operates 9,000 satellites and received approval from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to deploy an additional 7,500 satellites. But with the pace of satellite launches limited, CNBC said the merger with xAI appears to be a strategy to attract AI investors’ attention and secure funding.
xAI recorded losses of $9.5 billion through September 2025, and Musk is presenting a new vision that combines AI and the space industry to overcome this.
Chi-gyu Hwang
delight@d-today.co.kr