March 20, 2026 SpaceX has told U.S. regulators it will deploy its proposed one million-satellite “orbital data centre” network in phases to study environmental impacts before scaling. The plan faces more than 1,400 public comments and growing scrutiny over potential atmospheric effects, space congestion and interference with astronomy.
In a filing to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the company said it will begin with a smaller number of satellites to monitor real-world outcomes.
“SpaceX understands commenters’ concerns regarding frequent launches and satellite re-entries potentially impacting Earth’s atmosphere,” the company wrote, adding it will coordinate with federal agencies to assess impacts.
The proposal would require thousands of launches and involve satellites with relatively short lifespans, many of which would be de-orbited and burned up in the atmosphere. SpaceX already uses this approach for retiring Starlink satellites, with an estimated 1,500 having been de-orbited to date.
Scientists have raised concerns about whether repeated re-entries could release ozone-depleting substances. While SpaceX cited European Space Agency studies suggesting atmospheric impacts are “relatively low,” those studies also noted significant uncertainties in modelling long-term effects.
The company said it is conducting its own experiments to better understand re-entry impacts but provided limited detail. At the same time, SpaceX urged the FCC to reject calls for a full environmental review under U.S. law, arguing that such processes would delay deployment.
Beyond environmental concerns, the proposal has drawn criticism over its potential effect on space usage and visibility. Astronomers and researchers warn the scale of the constellation could increase light pollution and complicate observations, while experts have challenged SpaceX’s claim that the system would occupy only a small fraction of low-Earth orbit.
SpaceX has also defended the project against competitors, including Amazon, which has urged regulators to reject the plan. The company said orbital data centres could reduce reliance on terrestrial energy by using solar power in space, positioning the system as a more sustainable way to meet rising AI compute demand.
The FCC has not indicated when it will make a decision.
