Key Takeaways
- Elon Musk expresses strong confidence that SpaceX will deploy Nvidia Vera Rubin NVL72 AI computing systems into orbit during 2027
- The space company’s representation in the Nasdaq 100 is expected to surge from 1.28% to 2.82%, likely driving substantial passive investment inflows
- The company has committed to utilizing Nvidia hardware exclusively for its artificial intelligence operations
- The space-based AI platforms, designated as Starmind, will operate using solar energy, radiator-based cooling systems, and laser communication technology derived from Starlink
- Computing rental contracts have already been established with Anthropic and Google, while Nvidia maintains a $21 billion stake in SpaceX as of mid-2026
In a statement posted on X, Elon Musk expressed strong confidence that SpaceX will launch Nvidia Vera Rubin NVL72 artificial intelligence computing systems into orbital deployment in 2027. The disclosure coincided with reports indicating SpaceX’s Nasdaq 100 index representation could see dramatic growth this month.
Shares of SpaceX finished Friday’s trading session 2% higher, reaching $151.21. This represented the third consecutive week of gains, with the stock advancing 2% over the weekly period.
Space Exploration Technologies Corp., SPCX
According to Bloomberg’s analysis of preliminary index figures, SpaceX’s presence in the Nasdaq 100 is anticipated to expand from 1.28% to approximately 2.82%. Official confirmation of these numbers is scheduled for later this month.
Approximately $1.7 trillion in investment capital was benchmarked to the Nasdaq 100 at the conclusion of Q2. This encompasses the $481 billion Invesco QQQ Trust. An increased index weighting could trigger billions of dollars in SpaceX share acquisitions by passive investment vehicles.
When SpaceX entered the Nasdaq 100 in July, its initial weighting remained modest due to significant share lockup restrictions following the company’s public offering. As these lockup constraints gradually lifted, the available trading float increased substantially. Market fears regarding extensive insider liquidation during the initial two lockup expiration periods in August failed to materialize.
Complete Commitment to Nvidia Hardware
The aerospace company is constructing its entire AI computing framework exclusively with Nvidia technology. Both organizations have collaborated to modify the Nvidia Vera Rubin NVL72 system for space deployment, accounting for mass constraints, radiation exposure, and thermal management challenges.
The NVL72 configuration integrates 72 Rubin graphics processing units alongside 36 Vera central processing units. Musk has characterized the space-adapted iteration as “simpler, lower cost, denser and lighter than a traditional rack.”
SpaceX Chief Financial Officer Bret Johnsen confirmed earlier that the organization is utilizing Nvidia processors exclusively. He indicated SpaceX aims to achieve its inaugural orbital computing satellite deployment next year, followed by more extensive launches scheduled for 2028.
The company’s original IPO documentation had identified the launch timeframe as “as early as 2028.” Musk subsequently accelerated this timeline to the final quarter of 2027.
Space-Based Computing Infrastructure
The designation for these satellites is Starmind. Initial units are anticipated to house one computing rack, powered by solar panels, cooled through radiator systems, and connected via laser communication links based on Starlink’s proven technology.
SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell indicated the spacecraft design would be “to some extent simpler than the next-gen V3 Starlink satellites.” These satellites will utilize the identical bus architecture as V3 Starlink units, replacing the communications hardware with computing infrastructure.
The company’s rationale emphasizes that orbital data centers circumvent the land acquisition, electrical power, and water resource constraints that terrestrial facilities encounter. Musk has forecasted that space will emerge as “by far the cheapest place to put AI” within a two-to-three-year timeframe.
SpaceX has pursued regulatory authorization for a constellation comprising up to one million AI-focused satellites. The Starship launch system is anticipated to serve a critical function in reducing deployment costs for substantial quantities of computing equipment.
Computing capacity rental agreements have already been finalized with Anthropic and Google. As of mid-2026, Nvidia maintained an equity position valued at $21 billion in SpaceX.
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