SpaceX develops its own ‘Kessel’ rack-scale system featuring 72 Nvidia Rubin GPUs for data centers in space, report claims

According to a SemiAnalysis report, SpaceX/xAI is creating a custom version of Nvidia's Vera Rubin NVL72 rack-scale system specifically designed for orbital data centers. The innovative 'Kessel' system replaces traditional NVLink cable assemblies with a massive 84-layer printed circuit board, representing a significant advancement in space-based computing architecture.

Custom Architecture

While maintaining the core specifications of 36 Vera CPUs and 72 Rubin GPUs along with nine NVLink switch trays, the Kessel system introduces a different solid-state interconnect architecture. This custom design could offer improved performance and reliability for the unique challenges of space-based data centers.

SpaceX/xAI will continue purchasing Nvidia hardware directly from the company but will source other components independently. This approach may provide greater control over the hardware supply chain for their ambitious space-based computing initiatives.