Tesla’s Dojo3 Reimagined: Pioneering Space-Based AI Computing
In a bold move that underscores Tesla’s commitment to innovation, CEO Elon Musk has announced the revival of the company’s third-generation AI chip, Dojo3. This time, the focus shifts from terrestrial applications to the vast expanse of space, aiming to harness the potential of space-based AI compute.
A Brief History of Dojo
Tesla’s journey with the Dojo supercomputer has been marked by ambition and adaptation. Initially conceived to train self-driving models on Earth, the project faced significant challenges. In August 2025, Tesla disbanded the Dojo team following the departure of its lead, Peter Bannon. This decision led to a strategic pivot, with Tesla increasing its reliance on industry giants like Nvidia and AMD for computational needs, and Samsung for chip manufacturing.
The Resurgence of Dojo3
Five months after the initial shutdown, Musk’s recent announcement signals a renewed vision for Dojo3. The decision to resurrect the project is rooted in the progress of Tesla’s in-house chip development. Musk highlighted that the AI5 chip design is in good shape, indicating a solid foundation for future advancements.
The AI5 chip, produced by TSMC, was originally designed to power Tesla’s automated driving features and the Optimus humanoid robots. Building on this foundation, Tesla secured a $16.5 billion deal with Samsung to develop AI6 chips. These chips are poised to enhance Tesla vehicles and Optimus robots, while also facilitating high-performance AI training in data centers.
A Leap into Space-Based AI Compute
Musk’s vision for Dojo3 extends beyond Earth’s confines. He envisions the AI7/Dojo3 chip as a cornerstone for space-based AI computing. This ambitious endeavor aligns with Musk’s broader strategy to integrate advanced AI capabilities into space exploration and operations.
To realize this vision, Tesla is actively seeking to rebuild the team that was previously disbanded. Musk has extended an invitation to engineers, stating: If you’re interested in working on what will be the highest volume chips in the world, send a note to [email protected] with 3 bullet points on the toughest technical problems you’ve solved.
Contextualizing the Announcement
The timing of this announcement is particularly noteworthy. At CES 2026, Nvidia introduced Alpamayo, an open-source AI model for autonomous driving that presents a direct challenge to Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. Musk acknowledged the complexities involved in addressing rare edge cases in driving, commenting: I honestly hope they succeed.
The concept of space-based AI computing is gaining traction among industry leaders. Musk, along with other AI executives, has suggested that the future of data centers may lie beyond our planet, especially given the current strain on Earth’s power grids. Reports indicate that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman shares enthusiasm for orbiting data centers. Musk’s advantage lies in his control over launch vehicles, positioning Tesla uniquely in this emerging field.
Challenges and Prospects
While the vision for space-based AI compute is compelling, it is not without significant challenges. Cooling high-power computational systems in the vacuum of space presents a formidable technical hurdle. However, Musk’s track record suggests a willingness to tackle such challenges head-on, often turning ambitious ideas into reality.
Conclusion
Tesla’s revival of Dojo3 with a focus on space-based AI computing marks a significant shift in the company’s strategic direction. By leveraging advancements in in-house chip design and exploring extraterrestrial applications, Tesla continues to push the boundaries of technology and innovation.
