Elon Musk Says ‘We’re Gonna Need A Bigger Rocket’ As SpaceX Asks FCC to Approve 100,000 Gen3 Starlink Satellites

SpaceX is seeking FCC approval to launch and operate up to 100,000 third-generation Starlink satellites in very low Earth orbit, a major expansion aimed at delivering lower-latency, multi-gigabit broadband and supporting rising AI data demands. The filing suggests SpaceX is positioning Starlink as infrastructure for consumers, businesses, governments, and AI-powered devices. Elon Musk responded that the plan implies the need for a larger Starship vehicle, underscoring how central Starship is to deploying the heavier Gen3 satellites. The request comes alongside SpaceX’s separate proposal for up to 1 million orbital data-center satellites, highlighting an aggressive long-term push into space-based AI infrastructure. Regulatory approval is still uncertain, but if granted, the move could materially expand SpaceX’s addressable market and strengthen the investment case tied to its satellite and launch businesses.