Things are changing too fast! Elon Musk unveils the crazy "Moon Mission"

According to reports from multiple media outlets on the 23rd, to facilitate the deployment of dedicated satellite networks for artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk envisions launching satellites from the Moon using electromagnetic catapults into Earth’s orbit.

According to France’s Future Science website, Musk plans to build a giant electromagnetic launch device and a satellite assembly plant on the Moon, with the former launching satellites into Earth’s orbit.

Recently, SpaceX submitted an application to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to deploy a system of up to one million satellites in low Earth orbit, creating an on-orbit data center network to support high-performance computing needs such as AI.

The Future Science website suggests that, in theory, Musk’s idea of launching satellites from the Moon is not without merit. The Moon’s low gravity, lack of atmosphere, and abundant solar energy could make launches far more efficient than from Earth. Deploying large satellite constellations would also be easier and could avoid the crowded near-Earth space filled with spacecraft and debris.

However, in reality, realizing this idea is extremely challenging. The website notes that the launch device would need to be several kilometers long, and the acceleration process must be gentle enough to prevent damage to the satellites during launch. Additionally, each launch would require an enormous amount of energy, with significant power demands.

Moreover, before building an electromagnetic launch system on the Moon, a permanent base must be established, requiring the transportation of large amounts of equipment. Humanity has never built such large-scale facilities outside Earth.

Musk recently stated at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, that deploying AI data centers in space could be achieved within “two or three years.” However, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, expressed skepticism about this idea. In an interview with The Indian Express, he said that while space-based AI data centers are feasible in the long term, it is unlikely within the next decade due to high launch costs and operational and maintenance difficulties.

Notably, recently Musk made a major announcement on X, stating that SpaceX’s space exploration strategy will undergo significant adjustments: delaying crewed Mars landing plans and prioritizing the construction of lunar settlements.

According to the plan, SpaceX aims to build a “self-expanding” lunar city within the next ten years, using it as a hub to gradually advance deep space exploration and crewed landings on Mars.

This shift not only changes Musk’s long-standing “Mars first” approach but also signals a realignment of space exploration priorities.

In addition, several of Musk’s companies have recently made big news!

On February 18, Beijing time, Tesla China announced that the first mass-produced Cybertruck has rolled off the production line at the Texas Gigafactory in the United States. The vehicle was first unveiled at Tesla’s “WE, ROBOT” event on October 10, 2024, and is designed for fully autonomous driving, with no steering wheel or pedals.

Previously, Tesla CEO Elon Musk revealed that the Cybertruck was planned to start production in April 2026, but the actual production timeline has been moved up. He also mentioned that consumers could choose to purchase this vehicle, with an estimated price around $25,000.

Industry analysts believe that the rollout of the Cybertruck marks a key phase in Tesla’s autonomous driving strategy. Prior to this, Tesla’s autonomous taxi project mainly relied on the 2025 Model Y, which still required a human safety driver during operation. Since January 2026, Tesla has begun offering limited driverless autonomous services to the public. Currently, its Robotaxi fleet exceeds 350 vehicles, with plans to expand operations to Phoenix, Arizona, and Miami, Florida, in the first half of 2026.

Technologically, the mass production of the Cybertruck demonstrates Tesla’s progression from Level 2 to Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities. Xpeng Motors Chairman and CEO He Xiaopeng stated, “What impresses me most is Tesla’s mass-produced vehicles and the Robotaxi in trial operation, all achieved with a single autonomous driving software.”

According to Bloomberg, sources reveal that Musk’s SpaceX and its wholly owned subsidiary xAI are participating in a classified new Pentagon competition aimed at developing voice-controlled, autonomous drone swarm technology.

The report states that these two companies, which Musk announced would merge in early February, are entering the new frontier of AI weapon development, marking another potentially controversial shift in Musk’s business ventures. While SpaceX is an established defense contractor and Musk actively promotes AI development, he has also previously been an advocate against creating new tools for killing.

Sources say that in a challenge launched in January with a prize of up to $100 million, only a few companies were selected to participate, including Musk’s firms.

The xAI company’s website shows that it has recently begun aggressive recruiting, aiming to hire engineers from Washington or the West Coast with “secret” or “top secret” security clearance to collaborate with federal contractors. A job posting states they are seeking software engineers with experience working on AI, software, or data projects with government agencies, the Department of Defense, or federal contractors, with the hiring process expected to be completed within a week.

(Source: Daily Economic News)