On January 30, 2026, SpaceX filed a request with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission to launch a megaconstellation of up to one million satellites designed to support data centers in space. The proposed satellites are intended to operate in low Earth orbit, between 500 and 2,000 kilometers, with certain orbits engineered for near-constant sunlight exposure. This proposal allows for public comments, indicating a step towards engaging the community in discussions about the implications of such vast networks of satellites.

SpaceX's request is part of a larger trend where the number of proposed satellite megaconstellations has been increasing rapidly, leading to concerns about the sustainability of space activities. As of February 2026, about 14,000 operational satellites are already in orbit, with an additional 1.23 million satellite projects at various stages of development. This exponential growth in satellite numbers prompts urgent considerations regarding the safety of space operations and the potential for catastrophic events due to space debris and collisions.

The anticipated launch of millions of satellites not only prompts a re-evaluation of space traffic management but also raises questions about regulatory oversight and environmental impacts of such massive deployments. As more countries and private entities enter the space race, striking a balance between technological advancement and the preservation of a safe orbital environment will be increasingly paramount for the future of space exploration and utilization.