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Wired
Data Centers In Space? AI Race Turns Weird With Anthropic-SpaceX Deal
Anthropic, the AI lab behind Claude, has signed a deal with SpaceXAI—the newly merged entity of SpaceX and xAI—to use its computing resources. The partnership comes despite past tensions between Elon Musk and Anthropic's leadership. The deal includes an expressed interest in developing orbital compute capacity, essentially data centers in space. This reflects the broader AI industry's scramble for chips and cloud infrastructure, leading to unlikely alliances. The announcement is also timed as SpaceXAI prepares for a potential public listing, pitching investors on the future of space-based computing.
MonitorConfidence: MediumMid term horizonExecution risk: High
Published 12 May 2026, 12:45 UTC1 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- Anthropic partners with SpaceXAI for computing resources.
- SpaceXAI is the combined entity of SpaceX and xAI.
- Past public friction between Musk and Anthropic is set aside.
- Orbital data centers are being explored for AI workloads.
- The deal highlights acute compute shortages in AI.
- SpaceXAI is reportedly planning an IPO soon.
Interesting facts
- Elon Musk previously called Anthropic 'misanthropic and evil' but now praises its work.
- SpaceXAI wants to establish data centers in space, a novel concept.