Alphabet's $100B SpaceX Stake Spotlighted as Orbital Data Center Talks Advance

As of May 15, ongoing reports emphasize Alphabet's roughly 6% stake in SpaceX, valued at up to $100 billion assuming a $2 trillion IPO, while exploratory talks for orbital data center launches continue. The story began May 12 when the Wall Street Journal revealed Google discussing rocket launches with SpaceX and other providers to support Project Suncatcher, which targets two prototype satellites by early 2027 in partnership with Planet Labs. Space stocks rallied over 5% on May 13, though Alphabet shares slipped about 1% to $382.97 amid its planned $190 billion AI capex this year. The talks remain preliminary with no commercial terms disclosed, highlighting long-term potential to ease terrestrial energy constraints for AI workloads.