Elon Musk has praised Google co-founder Larry Page for his predictions about the future of computing, particularly his belief that almost all computing infrastructure could eventually move into space. The Tesla CEO recently reacted to a video discussing Page’s vision, describing his predictions as accurate.
Musk shared his response on X after watching a video featuring Patrick O’Shaughnessy of Invest Like the Best. The video revisited a conversation in which Page was reportedly asked how much computing power would eventually operate from orbit. His answer suggested that an overwhelming majority of computing could one day move beyond Earth.
Larry Page’s prediction about orbital computing
According to the account shared in the video, Page believes that 99.999% of computing could eventually take place in space.
“I heard the story recently that someone asked Larry Page how much of compute will be orbital, and he said five nines and the reason was, it’s just physics. Like, eventually, it’s just like all going to be in space,” O’Shaughnessy said.
The possibility of shifting data centres beyond Earth has also attracted attention from technology investors. Martin Casado, an American investor, has suggested that increasing regulatory pressure could accelerate this transition.
He pointed to hundreds of proposed bills in the US that could restrict data centre construction, including projects in Texas. If building large computing facilities on Earth becomes increasingly difficult, space-based infrastructure could emerge as an alternative.
Musk and Page’s friendship took an unexpected turn
Musk’s appreciation of Page’s prediction is particularly interesting given their history. The two technology billionaires were once close friends, sharing ambitious ideas about humanity’s technological future. However, their relationship reportedly deteriorated in June 2015 during Musk’s 44th birthday celebration.
The disagreement centred on artificial intelligence and its potential risks. Page reportedly described Musk as a “speciesist” after the Tesla CEO expressed a preference for humans over future digital life forms.
Despite their personal differences, their companies have maintained business connections. Google invested $900 million in SpaceX in 2015, securing an approximately 4.9% stake in the rocket company. SpaceX has since expanded its ambitions into artificial intelligence and computing infrastructure.
Ahead of its planned IPO, SpaceX announced an agreement to lease AI infrastructure to Google for $920 million per month over 32 months.
When Page considered giving his fortune to Musk
Their earlier friendship was so strong that Page once suggested he might leave his entire fortune to Musk rather than donate it to a conventional charitable organisation.
The revelation came during a 2014 TED interview with Charlie Rose. When Rose brought up Page’s earlier comments about potentially giving his wealth to Musk, the Google co-founder agreed with the idea.
Page viewed Musk’s ambition to make humanity a multiplanetary species as a meaningful contribution to humanity’s future.
“He wants to go to Mars – to back up humanity,” Page said, adding that this is a company and that it is philanthropic. He also explained that both shared similar ambitions.
AI differences changed their relationship
Although both billionaires shared an interest in advancing technology and exploring space, their views on artificial intelligence eventually created a divide.
Musk has repeatedly raised concerns about the risks associated with advanced AI and called for safeguards to prevent potential dangers. Page, meanwhile, has been associated with a more optimistic outlook on technological development.
Their relationship may have changed, but Musk’s latest praise suggests that he continues to recognise the value of Page’s ideas about the future of technology.
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