Tesla CEO Elon Musk has offered an “AI suggestion” for preventing global warming. The world’s richest man, who is also the CEO of the rocket company SpaceX, has claimed that a large solar-powered satellite constellation controlled by artificial intelligence (AI) could make minor adjustments to the amount of solar energy reaching Earth. Sharing the concept on Twitter, Musk wrote that this constellation would prevent global warming by “making tiny adjustments in how much solar energy reached Earth.” The satellites would dynamically modulate Earth’s solar energy intake through minor reflections, offering an alternative to traditional geoengineering methods such as stratospheric aerosols.In his X post, Musk wrote: “A large solar-powered AI satellite constellation would be able to prevent global warming by making tiny adjustments in how much solar energy reached Earth.”
This concept mirrors space-based solar radiation management ideas found in the peer-reviewed literature, such as orbital sunshades, which have been modelled to offset 1-2 degrees Celsius of warming potentially, but would require thousands of satellites for deployment at scale. Deployment faces challenges, including high costs exceeding $100 billion for similar orbital systems, potential regional cooling imbalances, and governance risks.
US Air Force suspended SpaceX rocket launch for environmental concerns
Earlier this year, in July, the US Air Force suspended its proposed hypersonic rocket cargo delivery project with SpaceX after environmental concerns were raised. The plan involved testing rocket re-entry vehicles on Johnston Atoll, a remote Pacific island protected under US environmental law. Scientists and wildlife groups warned that the tests could harm the island’s seabird population, which includes several protected species.The project was part of a larger US military effort to improve logistics by using commercial rockets for rapid global deliveries. Although SpaceX had not been officially confirmed as the primary partner, it was seen as the leading candidate due to its experience with reusable rockets. Following public criticism, the Air Force decided to pause the initiative and consider other possible test sites.This decision follows previous environmental issues linked to SpaceX, including a 2023 incident in Texas where a Starship launch damaged local wildlife habitats. The suspension reflects ongoing challenges in balancing technological progress with environmental protection.According to reports, the Air Force still views the rocket cargo program as an essential step toward faster military supply delivery, but upcoming tests is expected to face closer environmental review.
