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(VIDEO) Yoko Taro Tapped to Write New ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ Anime Series for 30th Anniversary Celebration

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Yoko wearing his familiar mask in 2018

In a surprise announcement capping off the “EVANGELION:30+; 30th Anniversary of Evangelion” festival, Studio Khara revealed Monday that a brand-new television anime series in the *Neon Genesis Evangelion* franchise is in production, with acclaimed video game creator Yoko Taro handling series composition and screenplay.

Yoko wearing his familiar mask in 2018
Yoko wearing his familiar mask in 2018

The news broke during the final program of the three-day event at Yokohama Arena on February 23, 2026, drawing immediate excitement from fans worldwide. The festival, which ran from February 21 to 23, featured exhibitions, talk shows, a kabuki adaptation and the premiere of a new 15-minute short anime focused on Asuka Langley Soryu, closing with a live cello and choral performance to unveil the project.

Taro, best known as the director and writer behind the *NieR* series — including the critically acclaimed *NieR:Automata* — will lead the writing duties. His work often explores themes of existentialism, identity, human suffering and cyclical despair, elements that resonate deeply with *Evangelion*’s psychological depth and philosophical undertones. Taro has long cited *Neon Genesis Evangelion* as a major influence on his storytelling style.

Joining Taro are directors Kazuya Tsurumaki and Toko Yatabe. Tsurumaki, a longtime collaborator with franchise creator Hideaki Anno, directed several *Rebuild of Evangelion* films and recently helmed *Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX*. Yatabe served as an assistant director on *Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time* and contributed to projects like *Chainsaw Man*. Music will come from Keiichi Okabe, the composer for the *NieR* franchise, known for his emotive, atmospheric scores.

Production is a collaboration between Studio Khara — Anno’s studio behind the original series and *Rebuild* films — and CloverWorks, the animation house responsible for hits like *The Promised Neverland* and *Spy x Family*. The partnership marks a fresh approach for the franchise, blending Khara’s signature style with CloverWorks’ modern animation techniques.

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The official announcement on the Evangelion website emphasized that this is a “completely new series,” separate from the 1995-1996 original TV run, its films, the *Rebuild* tetralogy and any prior spin-offs. No plot details, character information, release date or episode count have been disclosed yet. Studio Khara described it as the franchise’s “Next Genesis,” signaling a new chapter in the saga that has defined mecha anime, psychological drama and otaku culture for three decades.

*Neon Genesis Evangelion* premiered in October 1995 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon with its blend of giant robot battles, religious symbolism, Freudian psychology and unflinching exploration of depression, trauma and human connection. The series ended controversially in 1996, followed by films and the *Rebuild* project from 2007 to 2021, which reimagined the story and concluded with *3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time*. Anno has repeatedly stated that *Evangelion* was his attempt to “end” personal struggles through art, yet the franchise’s enduring appeal has kept it alive.

Taro’s involvement has sparked widespread praise. Fans and critics note the thematic synergy: *NieR:Automata* grapples with android existence, purpose and repeated failure — motifs that echo Shinji Ikari’s existential crises and the Angels’ apocalyptic threats. Taro retweeted Studio Khara’s announcement post on X, writing simply, “It’s been announced! I’ll do my best!” — a characteristically understated response from the enigmatic creator who often wears a mask in public appearances.

The announcement arrives exactly 30 years after the original series’ debut, capping a year of anniversary projects including merchandise, collaborations and events. The Yokohama festival drew massive crowds, with tickets selling out quickly. A new short film shown there — reportedly featuring alternate scenarios and “happy endings” for characters like Asuka and Shinji — generated buzz, though Studio Khara warned against unauthorized sharing, threatening legal action.

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Industry observers see the project as a bold evolution. Bringing in Taro, an outsider to traditional anime production but a proven master of dark, introspective narratives, could inject fresh energy while honoring the series’ legacy. Okabe’s score promises to elevate emotional highs, potentially blending orchestral swells with electronic elements in a style akin to *NieR*’s iconic soundtrack.

Details remain scarce, with no voice cast, animation style or timeline confirmed. Given anime production cycles, a premiere is unlikely before 2027 or later. Fans speculate on whether it will continue post-*Rebuild* events, reboot elements or explore entirely new stories.

The reveal has ignited social media, with hashtags trending globally and discussions on platforms like Reddit and X focusing on Taro’s fit. Many view it as the “perfect” creative pairing, given his admiration for Anno’s work.

As *Evangelion* enters its fourth decade, this new series underscores its undying influence. Whether it delivers catharsis, more despair or something entirely unexpected, Taro’s vision ensures the franchise will continue provoking thought and debate.

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(VIDEO) KPop Demon Hunters Fans Face Lengthy Wait for Sequel, Director Maggie Kang Confirms

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Tim Curry

Fans eagerly awaiting a follow-up to the blockbuster animated musical KPop Demon Hunters will likely need patience, as co-director Maggie Kang has confirmed a “long wait” for any potential sequel due to the extended production demands of high-quality animation.

KPop Demon Hunters
KPop Demon Hunters

In a recent Bloomberg interview published Feb. 19, 2026, Kang addressed the future of the Netflix hit, which shattered streaming records upon its June 2025 release and became the platform’s most-watched animated film ever. While she stopped short of official confirmation, Kang acknowledged the strong demand for more stories featuring the demon-slaying K-pop girl group HUNTR/X — Rumi, Mira and Zoey.

“I can’t really say that officially, but in a world that loves sequels, I don’t think it’s a surprise that something else could be coming,” Kang told interviewer Mishal Husain. “But it’s going to be a long wait unfortunately, because animation takes a long time.”

The comment tempers earlier optimism around a quicker turnaround. Reports from late 2025 indicated Sony Pictures Animation and Netflix had agreed to develop a sequel targeting a 2029 release, roughly four years after the original’s debut. However, recent statements from Sony executives, including Animation President Kristine Belson, have downplayed that timeline as overly ambitious.

In interviews with outlets like IGN and The Hollywood Reporter, Belson emphasized the intense workload facing animation studios, including commitments to other projects and the meticulous process required for feature-length animated films. “There’s been a lot to tend to,” Belson noted, suggesting 2029 might prove unrealistic given current priorities and the labor-intensive nature of the medium.

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Kang’s update arrives as KPop Demon Hunters continues its award-season momentum. The film, co-directed by Kang and Chris Appelhans, earned nominations and wins at events like the 2026 Annie Awards, where it dominated categories for character animation, music and direction. Its blend of K-pop energy, supernatural action and cultural representation resonated globally, spawning fan communities, viral edits and live performances by the voice cast portraying HUNTR/X.

The original story followed the trio balancing idol fame with secret battles against demons threatening the world, voiced by talents including Ejae, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami and others, with Lee Byung-hun as the villainous Gwi-ma. Kang has previously teased untapped potential in character backstories and expanded lore, including side stories cut from the first film and possibilities for global demon-hunting adventures beyond Korea.

In a Collider interview following an FYC screening, Kang and Appelhans described their vision for a sequel as “bolder and bigger,” promising heightened stakes, deeper emotional layers and boundary-pushing elements. “We’re up for the challenge,” Kang said, hinting at darker, more ambitious storytelling while maintaining the humor, heart and musical spectacle that defined the original.

Despite the enthusiasm, the animation pipeline remains a significant hurdle. Feature animation often spans four to six years from concept to completion, involving storyboarding, voice recording, intricate character design, complex effects for demon battles and music production. The success of KPop Demon Hunters has only intensified expectations, but Kang stressed the importance of quality over speed.

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“Animation just takes a long time,” she reiterated in the Bloomberg piece, echoing industry-wide realities amid staffing shortages and rising production costs. Sony Pictures Animation, which developed the film before its Netflix deal, continues negotiations for the follow-up, with Kang and Appelhans expected to return if talks progress.

Fan reactions have been mixed. Social media buzz reflects excitement tempered by disappointment over the delay, with some expressing concern that a prolonged wait could diminish momentum for the franchise. Others praised Kang’s candor and commitment to delivering a worthy successor rather than rushing production.

The film’s cultural impact extends beyond streaming metrics. It introduced broader audiences to K-pop elements while celebrating Korean heritage through storytelling, music and visuals. Kang, a Korean-Canadian filmmaker, has spoken about creating the project for her younger self, emphasizing representation and empowerment for young viewers.

As award season continues — with potential Oscar buzz lingering — attention shifts to how Sony and Netflix navigate the sequel’s development. No official greenlight or detailed timeline has been announced beyond Kang’s tempered outlook.

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For now, fans can revisit the original on Netflix, stream the soundtrack topping charts or engage with fan creations. Kang expressed gratitude for the support, noting the “whirlwind” response has been overwhelming yet grounding.

While a sequel appears inevitable given the film’s unprecedented success, the road ahead underscores the patience required in animation. As Kang put it, the wait may be long, but the promise of bolder adventures could make it worthwhile.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tdLYsc-KBY

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Form 144 Hinge Health For: 23 February

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Form 144 Hinge Health For: 23 February

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Supreme Court to hear ExxonMobil, Suncor challenge to Colorado climate lawsuit

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Supreme Court to hear ExxonMobil, Suncor challenge to Colorado climate lawsuit

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to take up a climate lawsuit that pits local governments in Colorado against global energy giants ExxonMobil and Suncor.

The high court on Monday officially decided to put the case on its calendar after the energy companies filed a petition to determine whether federal law prevents state-law claims for interstate emissions.

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The petition was filed after a May 2025 Colorado Supreme Court decision in the case affirmed the power of local jurisdictions to seek compensatory relief for climate-related damages within state courts.

In this case, the local governments of the City of Boulder and Boulder County are seeking monetary damages for environmental harm such as wildfires and floods, alleging the defendants misled the public about the climate risks associated with fossil fuels.

FEDERAL JUDGE BLOCKS RELEASE OF JACK SMITH REPORT’S SECOND VOLUME

People walk past the US Supreme Court in Washington, DC

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday agreed to take up a climate lawsuit that pits local governments in Colorado against global energy giants ExxonMobil and Suncor. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images, File)

The Colorado Supreme Court ruled that the case could proceed in state court after the energy companies argued unsuccessfully that the claims were preempted by federal law, specifically the Clean Air Act, or should be governed exclusively by federal common law.

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The U.S. Supreme Court building at night

The U.S. Supreme Court building is seen at night in this undated photo. (iStock)

TRUMP SAYS SUPREME COURT RULING AGAINST BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP ORDER WOULD BENEFIT CHINA

While the Colorado Supreme Court allowed most claims, including public nuisance, trespass and unjust enrichment, to move forward, it dismissed a specific consumer protection claim as time-barred.

The facade of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington.

The facade of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 3, 2024. (Valerie Plesch/picture alliance/Getty Images)

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A dissenting justice, however, warned that the ruling could create a chaotic patchwork of local regulations on an issue that is inherently international in scope.

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The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the case during its next term, which begins in the fall.

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Caerphilly industrial tools venture Spotnails eyeing expansion on new funding deal

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It has secured a new funding facility from HSBC and the Development Bank of Wales

Spotnails deal: Donagh Kenny, HSBC UK; David Perez, Development Bank of Wales; Craig Bates, Spotnails; Kabitah Begum, Development Bank of Wales.

Leading importer and distributor of industrial tools, nails and fasteners for the UK construction sector, Spotnails, has secured a near £3m new debt facility to supports its expansion. The Caerphilly-based company, which has operated for more than 70 years, has received a £1.7m loan from HSBC UK and a £1.2m loan from the Development Bank of Wales.

The refinance allows Spotnails to restructure existing facilities, including the buyout of earlier development bank equity, while sustaining its long-term relationship with both lenders.

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This latest investment marks the continuation of a partnership with the development bank which began in 2019, when it provided £1.7m to support a management buyout enabling managing director Craig Bates to acquire the company from its previous owners. A £500,000 equity warrant followed in 2023 to help accelerate the company’s expansion plans.

READ MORE: Construction work starts on two new campuses for Cardiff and Vale CollegeREAD MORE: New collaboration formed between leading Welsh engineering firms

The development bank has provided patient capital and strategic support that has underpinned Spotnails’ evolution – from the management buyout through to its current growth phase.

The new capital provides Spotnails with fresh scope to grow, following a recent move to a larger warehouse, the recruitment of two additional staff, and the launch of a new e‑shop.

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Managing director Mr Bates, said: “The development bank has been really good to us over the last six years. This new joint investment with HSBC UK gives us the headroom we need to continue expanding and to pursue sustainable growth.

“We needed to restructure our funding, and were keen to maintain our link with the development bank given the strength of our relationship with them to date, and the value that relationship has added to our business. It’s a win‑win all round.”

Kabitah Begum, senior portfolio executive at the Development Bank of Wales, said: “We’re pleased that our long-term relationship with Spotnails has helped put the business in a strong position for further growth. This joint funding package with HSBC UK enables us to continue our partnership following what would otherwise have concluded a successful cycle of investment.

“Our £1.2m loan, delivered alongside HSBC UK’s support, gives Spotnails the platform to keep expanding, and we look forward to continuing our work with them as a long-term partner, providing value over and above our investment.”

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Donagh Kenny, relationship manager at HSBC UK, said: “Spotnails has spent more than seven decades building a strong heritage in the Welsh construction sector, so it’s great to be able to back a business whose longstanding history continues to shape its ambition for the future. This joint funding package gives the company the headroom to keep evolving and investing with confidence. We’re proud to work alongside the Development Bank of Wales to help drive the next chapter of Spotnails’ growth.”

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V2X surges on earnings beat and upbeat 2026 outlook

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V2X surges on earnings beat and upbeat 2026 outlook

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Vanda Pharmaceuticals: Soaring On Bysanti Approval, But You Shouldn't Feel Dizzy

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Vanda Pharmaceuticals: Soaring On Bysanti Approval, But You Shouldn't Feel Dizzy

Vanda Pharmaceuticals: Soaring On Bysanti Approval, But You Shouldn't Feel Dizzy

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Form 144 Enpro Inc. For: 23 February

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Form 144 Enpro Inc. For: 23 February

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MoneySuperMarket owner Mony Group reports record revenues driven by energy switching surge

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Mony Group recorded its highest ever revenues of £446 million in 2025, with its home services division surging by a third thanks to increased energy switching activity among UK households

A man looks at his iPhone which displays the MoneySuperMarket logo

MoneySuperMarket’s parent firm Mony Group reported a pre-tax profit of £80.7 million for 2025(Image: Alamy/PA)

The parent company of MoneySuperMarket has revealed it capitalised on a surge of households switching their energy deals last year, helping counterbalance weaker car insurance activity amid declining prices.

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Mony Group, which also operates brands including MoneySavingExpert and Quidco, posted its highest ever revenues of £446 million for 2025 – up 2% on the previous year.

The business highlighted a stronger performance within its home services division, which jumped by a third over the year, largely due to increased energy switching activity.

This reflected more energy suppliers opting to join the platform to attract customers following Ofgem’s price cap announcements.

MoneySuperMarket is a price comparison website that operates by receiving a payment from the firms that list on the platform.

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It also benefited from an 8% rise in its revenues for its money arm, thanks to more customers switching credit cards and stronger demand for savings and ISA comparisons.

This helped offset weaker sales for its insurance arm – the division that generates the most revenues – which were down by 1% year-on-year.

MoneySuperMarket, which has a Manchester tech hub, was affected by fewer people searching for car insurance deals in a year that premiums fell by approximately 9% on average.

The firm had benefited from a surge in insurance revenues in 2024 when soaring premium prices drove higher levels of switching.

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Deeside-basedMony Group reported a pre-tax profit of £80.7 million for 2025, roughly 1% higher than the prior year. Meanwhile, the firm said opportunities to harness artificial intelligence (AI) were “powering” it into 2026.

It recently unveiled a price comparison app on AI chatbot ChatGPT, enabling people to obtain car insurance estimates or search for other household deals.

Peter Duffy, Mony Group’s chief executive, said: “2025 was another year of great progress for the group and we’re delighted to have helped households save an estimated £2.8 billion.

“Our leading data and tech architecture, combined with the power of our brands, has positioned us exceptionally well to harness the opportunity of AI, and is powering our momentum as we head into 2026.”

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GM recalls over 43,000 Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac SUVs over transmission issue

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GM recalls over 43,000 Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac SUVs over transmission issue

General Motors is recalling more than 43,000 Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac SUVs due to a transmission issue that could potentially increase the risk of a crash.

The recall affects 17,178 Chevrolet Tahoes, 7,616 Chevrolet Suburbans, 7,820 GMC Yukons, 5,270 GMC Yukon XLs, 3,609 Cadillac Escalades and 2,239 Cadillac Escalade ESVs, all from model year 2022.

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All models under the recall are equipped with a 10-speed transmission with an electronic transmission range select system, GM said.

NISSAN RECALLS OVER 640,000 VEHICLES FOR ENGINE AND GEAR ISSUES

A 2022 Chevy Tahoe.

A model year 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe is seen driving. (Chevrolet )

The recall report, filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said a transmission control valve in some of the vehicles could be susceptible to excess wear over time, which may lead to a gradual loss of pressure. Drivers may notice harsh shifting if their vehicle is affected by the issue.

In rare cases, the rear wheels may experience a brief lockup or may remain locked, increasing the risk of a crash, the report said.

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A model year 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe seen parked outside. (Chevrolet / Fox News)

NISSAN RECALLING OVER 26,000 VEHICLES DUE TO DOOR ISSUE THAT COULD INCREASE RISK OF CRASH

Dealers will install new transmission control module software that will monitor valve performance and detect excessive wear, the automaker said. If a potential issue is found, the transmission will be limited to fifth gear to prevent the potential of a wheel lockup.

General Motors HQ

The General Motors world headquarters office is seen at Detroit’s Renaissance Center.  (Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Letters to owners notifying them of an available remedy will be mailed on March 30.

CHRYSLER RECALLS OVER 80K VEHICLES DUE TO SPRINGS THAT MAY DETACH WHILE DRIVING

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“The safety of our customers is the highest priority for the entire GM team, and we’re working to remedy this matter as quickly as possible,” a GM spokesperson told FOX Business.

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OpenAI CEO Sam Altman calls Elon Musk’s space data centers ‘ridiculous’

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OpenAI CEO Sam Altman calls Elon Musk's space data centers 'ridiculous'

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman dismissed the idea of data centers in space being a viable option in the next few years as SpaceX CEO Elon Musk pursues their deployment.

“I honestly think the idea with the current landscape of putting data centers in space is ridiculous,” Altman said in an interview with Indian Express. “It will make sense someday.”

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Altman said that space-based artificial intelligence (AI) data center projects would have to deal with high launch costs as well as operational and maintenance challenges, like how to fix a broken or damaged component while the data center is in orbit.

“We are not there yet. There will come a time. Orbital data centers are not something that’s going to matter at scale this decade,” Altman said in the interview.

DATA CENTERS IN OUTER SPACE EMERGE AS SOLUTION TO AI’S MASSIVE ENERGY REQUIREMENTS

Sam Altman holds cup while on lunch break at conference in Washington, D.C.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said that while space-based data centers may be viable in the future, they aren’t likely to be deployed at scale this decade. (Ken Cedeno/Reuters / Reuters)

SpaceX’s Musk said earlier this month at an event announcing SpaceX’s acquisition of xAI that the energy demands of AI will require moving data centers to space because of the strain it puts on the environment.

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“In the long term, space-based AI is obviously the only way to scale,” Musk said. “My estimate is that within 2 to 3 years, the lowest cost way to generate AI compute will be in space.”

SpaceX’s merger with xAI, the AI company Musk founded that went on to acquire the X social media platform, aims to create a more than $1 trillion company ahead of a planned initial public offering that will enable them raise capital and speed up plans to deploy data centers in space.

SPACEX ACQUIRES XAI IN RECORD-SETTING DEAL VALUED AT OVER $1T

Elon Musk in a thoughtful repose with his finger on his chin

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk sees space-based data centers as a solution to environmental challenges they pose on Earth. (Marc Piasecki/Getty Images / Getty Images)

SpaceX recently filed a document with the Federal Communications Commission requesting to launch up to 1 million satellites that would function as data centers in Earth’s orbit.

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Musk said in a memo outlining his plans that SpaceX aims to put a million tons of satellites into orbit per year with 100 kilowatts of compute power per ton, adding 100 gigawatts of AI computing capacity per year.

DATA CENTER BOOM POWERING AI REVOLUTION MAY DRAIN US GRIDS – AND WALLETS

SpaceX launches Starship on May 27, 2025

SpaceX is planning a constellation of satellites that can serve as space-based data centers. (Joe Skipper/Reuters)

Other tech companies pursuing space-based data centers include Google, as CEO Sundar Pichai told “Fox News Sunday” that the company could put solar-powered data centers in space as soon as next year as part of what’s known as Project Suncatcher.

Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman said at the Cisco AI Summit earlier this month, “there are not enough rockets to launch a million satellites yet, so we’re, like, pretty far from that.” 

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“If you think about the cost of getting a payload in space today, it’s massive,” Garman added. “It is just not economical.”

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