As part of its efforts to scale up the Starmind computing satellite constellation, SpaceX has entered into a new supply agreement with German firm SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES. SpaceX plans to aggressively scale up its computing satellites capable of placing AI chips, such as those from NVIDIA, into orbit. The deal allows SpaceX to procure production equipment for solar cells through which the firm aims to eventually produce enough solar cells for 100 gigawatts per year of power generation.
Both Musk and SpaceX have ambitious plans for space computing as not only has the firm outlined a total addressable market (TAM) of $28.5 trillion in its SEC filings but its CEO also believes that the market estimate could end up being larger. To cater to this market, SpaceX is aiming to replicate its success with the Starlink satellite internet constellation with computing satellites and build a constellation capable of supporting 100 gigawatts of annual compute.
Solar panels are a key component of these plans as they are responsible for generating power for the onboard GPUs. SpaceX’s current AI satellites, called the AI1 spacecraft, are capable of generating up to 250 kilowatts of power per satellite.
According to the details of the latest announcement, SpaceX and SINGULUS are now working together to bring online 100 gigawatts of solar panel manufacturing capacity. Specifically, the deal is for heterojunction solar cells, or HJT cells.
These solar cells are among the best-performing in the industry. HJT cells require specialized manufacturing lines which are not compatible with those of older technologies such as PERC. Additionally, HJT manufacturing mirrors semiconductor fabrication in some respects, such as chemical deposition for defect minimization. As a result, HJT cells are costlier than other approaches and at the same time offer superior panel degradation protection, efficiency and power generation under high temperatures.
Solar cells play a key role in the computing capacity of the AI satellites. SpaceX’s next-generation satellites for this purpose are reportedly seeking to increase power capacity to 400kW. More power allows for higher computing per spacecraft and saves on launch costs for the constellation on a per-gigawatt basis.
SINGULUS will deliver the first production line for the advanced solar cells to SpaceX in the first half of next year and the firm will also scale production to eventually meet the customer’s 100 gigawatt goal. The deal comes after a job posting from SpaceX earlier this year sought HJT expertise.
Not holding back, Musk briefly discussed the deal on X and shared that it would allow “Starmind to create a sentient sun.”
About the author: Ramish is a seasoned technology writer and editor with more than a decade of experience. He specializes in semiconductor fabrication and market analysis. With a background in finance and supply chain management – via his bachelor’s in Finance and a micromasters in supply chain management from MIT – Ramish can cover deep industry insight to deliver accurate and authoritative coverage.
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