As artificial intelligence fuels surging demand for computing power, Elon Musk has hinted that SpaceX may use its Starlink V3 satellites to develop space-based data centers. 

Musk’s remarks come as companies explore how orbital infrastructure could solve the Earth-bound energy and cooling challenges that come with hyperscale AI computing.

SpaceX could lead the race to orbit-based computing

After Ars Technica published a report on autonomous space construction, Musk replied on X: “Simply scaling up Starlink V3 satellites, which have high speed laser links would work. SpaceX will be doing this.” 

SpaceX’s Starlink V3 platform is capable of up to 1 terabit per second (Tbps) throughput, so it could potentially form the foundation for orbital computing clusters powered by solar energy. 

Proponents have noted that such data centers could eliminate the massive land, water, and power footprints of traditional facilities on Earth. Critics, however, have question the economics and complexity of maintaining large-scale data systems in orbit.

Elon Musk, for his part, recently reiterated on X that this particular idea is a very big deal. 

SpaceX’s track record is substantial

Despite the reservations for such a radical idea, SpaceX’s track record is pretty much bulletproof at this point. The company’s Starlink network, once deemed as unrealistic by critics, now delivers broadband to millions worldwide while turning a profit. Its Falcon 9 rockets, which are capable of landing on land or on a drone in the middle of the ocean, are also among the world’s most reliable. 

With this track record in mind, it would seem that Elon Musk’s idea of using Starlink satellites as the building blocks for a space-based data center might not be too farfetched at all.

Interest in space-based data storage and processing has intensified in recent months, Ars noted. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt reportedly acquired Relativity Space with an eye on orbital data infrastructure, while Jeff Bezos recently predicted gigawatt-scale data centers will operate in space within two decades.

Tesla has quietly added Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality to the Model Y L through its latest over-the-air update in China, giving owners the ability to power external devices directly from their EVs.

The addition of the feature was highlighted by Tesla in its release notes for China’s 2025.32.300 update.

Model Y L gains V2L and other convenience upgrades

The 2025.32.300 update, which is rolling out to Model Y L vehicles in China, introduces several notable additions. First among them is an “external discharge function,” which enables V2L capability through an official adapter that Tesla plans to release later.

The feature should enable the Model Y L to power appliances, tools, or possibly even other EVs, making it extra useful for camping trips or the occasional power outages. 

Other improvements include a lower temperature limit for Dog Mode, customizable low-battery settings to conserve energy while parked, and expanded personalization for the vehicle’s “Rave Cave” entertainment feature. Tesla noted that certain functions may vary depending on vehicle configuration, and rollout timing could differ by region.

Model Y L is surging in China’s SUV rankings

Despite being new in the market, the Model Y L is already making some waves in  China’s top-selling mid-to-large SUVs lists. Data from Yiche showed that Tesla sold 8,221 units in September, securing fourth place in the segment behind the Leapmotor C16, Li Auto L6, and the Xiaomi YU7.

The Model Y L’s rapid ascent highlighted its strong market appeal despite a higher price point than most local competitors. Interestingly enough, the Xiaomi YU7, which is positioned closer to the standard Model Y with its five-seat configuration, topped the rankings with 22,244 units sold in September.

With Tesla’s continued free software upgrades, as well as its features like Full Self-Driving (Supervised), however, the Model Y L may have a chance at climbing China’s lists for the best-selling mid-to-large SUVs.

Cathie Wood, CEO of ARK Invest and one of Tesla’s most ardent bulls, reiterated her support for Elon Musk’s 2025 CEO Performance Award. 

Wood highlighted that Musk’s leadership attracts incredible talent, and it has allowed the companies he leads such as Tesla to become disruptors in their respective fields.

ARK Invest supports Musk’s leadership

Elon Musk’s 2025 CEO Performance Award has received a mixed reception. Proxy firms such as Glass Lewis and Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) have stated that they would be voting against Musk’s pay package. Other entities, such as the State Board of Administration of Florida (SBA), have stated that they would be voting in favor of Tesla’s proposals. 

ARK Invest founder Cathie Wood, for her part, has previously stated that she is quite confident that the vote on Elon Musk’s 2025 Performance Award would pass. She also stated that a favorable result to the vote for Musk’s 2025 pay plan would be beneficial for Tesla.

“Elon Musk is the most productive human being on earth. And a human being who attracts incredible talent, people who want to solve the world’s hardest problems. This is a win-win for all of us if Elon succeeds this time,” Wood stated. Musk appreciated Wood’s comments, stating, “Thanks Cathie!” In a post on X.

ARK Invest has been one of Tesla’s most loyal bulls

Tesla is ARK Invest’s single largest holding, with the firm holding an estimated $1 billion worth of TSLA, as noted in an Insider report. Wood previously said she expects the approval of Musk’s pay package to trigger “super-exponential growth” for the automaker, as new products like the Cybercab and Optimus expand Tesla’s offerings.

“Because think about it. It is a convergence among three of our major platforms. So, robots, energy storage, AI, and it’s not stopping with Robotaxis. There’s a story beyond that with humanoid robots, and our $2,600 number has nothing for humanoid robots. We just thought it’d be an investment, period,” Wood stated during an appearance at Steven Bartlett’s podcast The Diary Of A CEO.