SpaceX and xAI are designing the Kessel server rack for orbital data centers

Companies SpaceX and xAI are developing a specialized Kessel server system. The platform's architecture is focused on heavy AI computing both in terrestrial data centers and in space environments.

The hardware complex includes 36 NVIDIA Vera CPUs and 72 Rubin GPU accelerators. Engineers have abandoned standard copper NVLink cable assemblies, replacing them with a single massive 84-layer printed circuit board to improve reliability and mounting density.

This design solution minimizes the number of mechanical connections sensitive to vibrations and overloads. The system is being designed with the requirements for operation on orbital vehicles and in traditional data centers in mind.

The new server hardware form factor optimizes the infrastructure for xAI's large-scale computing, reducing critical risks of equipment failure in space.