OpenAI CEO once considered acquiring a rocket company to challenge SpaceX, revealing his vision for orbital data centers

According to The Wall Street Journal, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman considered acquiring the startup Stoke Space earlier this year. Stoke Space focuses on developing fully reusable rockets and is viewed as an emerging force with the potential to challenge Elon Musk’s SpaceX in the future. However, the potential deal ultimately did not materialize.

In recent years, Altman has maintained a keen interest in the technological development of orbital data centers, aiming to move data centers into space to reduce environmental impact on Earth, while providing more efficient and sustainable energy and spatial infrastructure for rapidly growing AI computation. This vision has driven him to invest in several companies exploring cutting-edge space technologies.

Among them is Longshot Space, which he supports. This company is developing a new satellite deployment method that does not rely on traditional rocket combustion, attempting to break free from the limitations of current rocket propulsion technology. Industry insiders believe such innovative approaches could open new technological pathways for low-cost, high-frequency satellite launches in the future.

In contrast, SpaceX, led by Musk, has established a strong industry-leading position. Its reusable rockets support global space missions, satellite networking, and crewed spaceflight. However, as tech leaders and capital continue to enter the aerospace market, new startups are seeking to challenge SpaceX’s existing model with differentiated technologies.

Analysts point out that as demand for AI computation rapidly expands, space-based data centers could become the new frontier of technological competition. The moves by entrepreneurs like Altman indicate that orbital infrastructure is accelerating from the conceptual stage toward commercial exploration, becoming a key growth point at the intersection of space technology and AI.