Sam Altman considered buying SpaceX rival, but the deal was called off

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman had weighed acquiring Stoke Space, a startup building fully reusable rockets, in a potential bid to compete with Elon Musk’s SpaceX, according to the Wall Street Journal. However, the deal was called off after discussions earlier this year.

Altman has long been interested in orbital data centers to power AI while avoiding environmental impacts on Earth.

The tech entrepreneur is backing Longshot Space, which is building an innovative method for satellite placement that does not rely on traditional rocket combustion systems.

SpaceX develops and operates reusable rockets for space missions, including satellite deployments and crewed flights. The company, led by Musk, has driven innovations in space travel and satellite networks, but now faces emerging competition from startups backed by tech leaders seeking alternative launch technologies.