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SpaceX to attempt Starship catch on next flight, with eye on rapid cadence increase
Ars Technica • • business
Key Points:
- SpaceX is shifting its focus from Mars colonization to becoming a major data company, aiming to provide up to 10 GW of ground-based compute power for artificial intelligence by 2027.
- The company plans to use its Starship rocket for future data services from space, including the Starlink Internet constellation and the upcoming "Starmind" data center constellation, with a 15th test flight targeted for November.
- SpaceX aims to successfully catch both the Super Heavy booster and Starship upper stage during the next flight, with regulatory approval from the FAA to return the vehicle over land, including northern Mexico.
- Elon Musk projects a weekly Starship launch cadence by mid-2027, increasing to twice weekly in the second half of the year, contingent on achieving near-complete rocket reusability similar to airplane operations.
- In 2027, SpaceX will prioritize launching its own payloads, including Starlink V3 satellites and Starmind prototypes, while continuing progress on Starship-to-Starship refueling tests critical for NASA lunar missions.
