SpaceX Q3 revenue jumps 161% on AI leasing and Starlink growth

SpaceX reported a 161% year‑on‑year increase in third‑quarter revenue, surpassing market estimates. The rise came as the company’s artificial‑intelligence services expanded quickly. SpaceX earns most AI income by leasing data‑centre computing capacity to developers, naming Anthropic, Google and Reflection AI as key customers. This model lets the firm monetize its high‑performance chips without building its own AI models. The company noted that demand for affordable high‑speed AI training hardware has risen sharply across the industry. SpaceX’s data‑centre capacity, originally built for its rocket‑related projects, now serves external developers seeking scalable compute. At the same time, the satellite broadband division Starlink added new subscribers, delivering steady cash flow. Starlink’s subscriber base continued its gradual climb, supporting the firm’s long‑term goal of global internet coverage. The combined effect pushed quarterly revenue far above analysts’ forecasts. The earnings release, dated 21 October 2026, highlighted that the dual‑track strategy is paying off.

Context

Leasing compute power to big AI firms creates a recurring revenue stream for SpaceX, complementing its traditional launch business and helping diversify its income sources.