Google has been holding talks with Elon Musk’s SpaceX over a potential rocket launch agreement as the company explores the prospect of deploying data centers into orbit, according to people familiar with the discussions. Sources say Google is simultaneously engaged in conversations with other rocket-launch companies as it evaluates options for transporting computing infrastructure beyond Earth.
Neither SpaceX nor Google provided immediate comment when contacted for this report. Those familiar with the matter described the discussions as ongoing rather than finalized.
The possibility of a commercial tie-up between Google and SpaceX would follow recent industry moves in which cloud-focused customers have engaged directly with launch and in-space infrastructure providers. Last week, AI company Anthropic finalized an arrangement to use the full computing capacity of SpaceX’s Colossus 1 facility in Memphis, and has also expressed interest in collaborating with the rocket company to develop multiple gigawatts of orbital data-center capacity.
Google has publicly said it is studying space-based data centers through Project Suncatcher. Under that effort, Google aims to launch two prototype satellites by early 2027 to evaluate the technical and operational feasibility of hosting computing hardware in orbit.
Observers note the timing of these talks comes ahead of a widely anticipated and crucial initial public offering for SpaceX. The conversations with established cloud firms and the recent commitment from Anthropic highlight growing commercial momentum for space-based compute concepts, while leaving open questions about how launch partnerships and prototype programs will proceed.
As discussions continue, several concrete milestones remain on the calendar: Anthropic’s use of Colossus 1 in Memphis is already in place, and Google’s Project Suncatcher identifies a goal of sending two prototypes into orbit by early 2027. Beyond those points, the precise terms and partners for any launch agreements have not been confirmed.
Contextual note: The details above reflect current discussions and announced programs; they describe active negotiations and stated company initiatives rather than completed, public agreements.