Key Takeaways
- Elon Musk expresses strong confidence that SpaceX will deploy Nvidia Vera Rubin NVL72 AI systems to orbit by 2027
- The aerospace company’s Nasdaq 100 index representation is expected to surge from 1.28% to approximately 2.82%, which could drive substantial passive investment inflows
- SpaceX has committed to utilizing Nvidia processors exclusively throughout its artificial intelligence operations
- The space-based AI platforms, dubbed Starmind, will operate using solar energy, radiator-based thermal management, and laser communication systems derived from Starlink technology
- Commercial agreements for computational capacity have been secured with Anthropic and Google, while Nvidia maintained a $21 billion stake in SpaceX as of mid-2026
Elon Musk announced on X that he maintains strong confidence SpaceX will deploy Nvidia Vera Rubin NVL72 artificial intelligence systems into orbital position during 2027. This declaration emerged concurrently with reports suggesting SpaceX’s representation in the Nasdaq 100 index may experience a significant increase later this month.
I am highly confident that SpaceX will be launching Nvidia VR NLV72 AI computers in space next year
ā Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 13, 2026
Shares of SpaceX concluded Friday’s trading session up 2% at $151.21. This represented the company’s third consecutive weekly advance, with the stock appreciating 2% over the five-day period.
Space Exploration Technologies Corp., SPCX
According to Bloomberg’s analysis of preliminary index figures, SpaceX’s allocation within the Nasdaq 100 is anticipated to climb from 1.28% to approximately 2.82%. Official confirmation of this adjustment is scheduled for later in the month.
The Nasdaq 100 commanded approximately $1.7 trillion in tracked assets at the conclusion of the second quarter. This figure encompasses the $481 billion Invesco QQQ Trust. An elevated index position could channel billions of investment dollars into SpaceX equity through automated fund acquisitions.
SpaceX entered the Nasdaq 100 in July with a modest allocation due to restricted share availability following its public offering. As lockup restrictions expired progressively, the freely tradable share count increased. Anticipated heavy insider liquidation during the initial two lockup expiration phases in August failed to materialize.
SpaceX Commits Fully to Nvidia Technology
SpaceX is constructing its entire artificial intelligence framework using exclusively Nvidia components. The partnership between the two corporations has resulted in modifications to the Nvidia Vera Rubin NVL72 architecture to accommodate space deployment requirements, including mass constraints, radiation exposure, and temperature management challenges.
The NVL72 architecture integrates 72 Rubin graphics processing units alongside 36 Vera central processing units. Musk has characterized the space-adapted configuration as featuring simplified design, reduced costs, increased density, and lower mass compared to conventional rack systems.
SpaceX Chief Financial Officer Bret Johnsen confirmed earlier that the organization is utilizing Nvidia processors exclusively. He indicated SpaceX aims to launch its inaugural orbital computing platform next year, followed by expanded deployments throughout 2028.
SpaceX’s initial public offering documentation had specified a launch timeframe of “as early as 2028.” Musk subsequently accelerated this timeline to the final quarter of 2027.
Data Processing Facilities in Orbit
SpaceX has designated these satellites as Starmind. Initial deployments are anticipated to accommodate one rack of computational capacity, powered by solar arrays, utilizing radiator-based cooling systems, and employing laser communication links derived from Starlink infrastructure.
SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell noted the spacecraft design would be “to some extent simpler than the next-gen V3 Starlink satellites.” The platforms will utilize the identical bus architecture as V3 Starlink units, substituting communications equipment with processing hardware.
SpaceX contends that orbital data center deployment circumvents the terrestrial constraints of real estate, electrical power, and water resources that limit ground-based facilities. Musk has forecast that space will emerge as “by far the cheapest place to put AI” within a two to three-year horizon.
The organization has pursued regulatory authorization for a constellation comprising up to one million AI satellites. Starship is anticipated to serve a critical function in reducing launch expenses for substantial quantities of computing equipment.
SpaceX has executed computational capacity lease agreements with Anthropic and Google. Nvidia maintained a $21 billion equity position in SpaceX as of mid-2026.





