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Gibbons Creek? [SpaceX/Tesla Terafab facility in Grimes county]

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TyHolden
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In reply to Bob Yancy • 4:26p, 6/20/26
AG
Bob Yancy said:
We're going to have to come up with a different nomenclature. They're not really "data centers" in space. It's a network really- a constellation of satellites- each one the size of a server rack (excluding the solar panels and heat radiating panels) that are interconnected via laser arrays.

Folks I talk to around town are skeptical and picturing a giant data center building in orbit. Maybe someday it'll come to that- but what's being proposed now is more like a "data grid" than a "data center."

SpaceX has filed with the Federal Communications Commission for a million data satellites in non-geo synchronous orbit. The application is under review.

Just thought I'd add some color to yalls discussion. Have a great weekend!

https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/spacex-files-for-million-satellite-orbital-ai-data-center-megaconstellation/

Respectfully

Yancy '95

Thanks Bob!

Sorry about the diatribe. Yeah, not sure if giant DCs in space would scale that well. The distribution of data only helps. Google's scale-out architecture from the early 2000s was a good example of how this helps. Also, I would be concerned about outsiders/enemies taking a giant DC out. Not sure who we'll be at odds with over this. Probably the usual suspects - China, Russia, etc. Eventually, we'll have to regulate this somehow. Probably a long way from that though. Not sure how much "space" a million satellites/servers/compute devices will take up. I would assume most of them have some kind of deterrent system to avoid crashing into each other (probably similar to what air traffic controllers).

Also, not sure if everybody knows this but if you don't want to read a long diatribe like I wrote above, you can just go into any free AI tool (Google, Chatgpt, etc) and just type one of the below and insert text or url (without the brackets).

Can you please summarize this " <insert text here> "

Can you please summarize this < site url >

<upload doc> Can you please summarize this document

You can slice and dice it as much as you want by giving it more instructions.

When I ran this on my text (from above), it comes up with this. And yes, the 2 billion per month is correct but that includes Anthropic in it (not just Google).

The provided text presents a speculative theory that SpaceX and Terafab will dominate the computing market by moving data centers to space for unlimited solar energy, rendering terrestrial data centers obsolete [1]. The user predicts that tech giants like Google and Amazon will rely on these space facilities, drawing a comparison to Amazon's early lead with AWS [1]. However, the claims regarding a $2 billion monthly contract between Google and SpaceX are unsubstantiated, and the vision omits significant technical challenges like heat dissipation and latency in space-based computing [1]. [1, 2]

Google AI url...
https://gemini.google.com/app?utm_source=ai.google&utm_medium=referral


I hope I did not offend anybody with this post. If I did, please come see me at my address in my profile so we can talk.
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doubledog
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In reply to TyHolden • 4:43p, 6/20/26
TyHolden said:
Bob Yancy said:
We're going to have to come up with a different nomenclature. They're not really "data centers" in space. It's a network really- a constellation of satellites- each one the size of a server rack (excluding the solar panels and heat radiating panels) that are interconnected via laser arrays.

Folks I talk to around town are skeptical and picturing a giant data center building in orbit. Maybe someday it'll come to that- but what's being proposed now is more like a "data grid" than a "data center."

SpaceX has filed with the Federal Communications Commission for a million data satellites in non-geo synchronous orbit. The application is under review.

Just thought I'd add some color to yalls discussion. Have a great weekend!

https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/spacex-files-for-million-satellite-orbital-ai-data-center-megaconstellation/

Respectfully

Yancy '95

Thanks Bob!

Sorry about the diatribe. Yeah, not sure if giant DCs in space would scale that well. The distribution of data only helps. Google's scale-out architecture from the early 2000s was a good example of how this helps. Also, I would be concerned about outsiders/enemies taking a giant DC out. Not sure who we'll be at odds with over this. Probably the usual suspects - China, Russia, etc. Eventually, we'll have to regulate this somehow. Probably a long way from that though. Not sure how much "space" a million satellites/servers/compute devices will take up. I would assume most of them have some kind of deterrent system to avoid crashing into each other (probably similar to what air traffic controllers).

Also, not sure if everybody knows this but if you don't want to read a long diatribe like I wrote above, you can just go into any free AI tool (Google, Chatgpt, etc) and just type one of the below and insert text or url (without the brackets).

Can you please summarize this " <insert text here> "

Can you please summarize this < site url >

You can slice and dice it as much as you want by giving it more instructions.

When I ran this on my text (from above), it comes up with this. And yes, the 2 billion per month is correct but that includes Anthropic in it (not just Google).

The provided text presents a speculative theory that SpaceX and Terafab will dominate the computing market by moving data centers to space for unlimited solar energy, rendering terrestrial data centers obsolete [1]. The user predicts that tech giants like Google and Amazon will rely on these space facilities, drawing a comparison to Amazon's early lead with AWS [1]. However, the claims regarding a $2 billion monthly contract between Google and SpaceX are unsubstantiated, and the vision omits significant technical challenges like heat dissipation and latency in space-based computing [1]. [1, 2]

Google AI url...
https://gemini.google.com/app?utm_source=ai.google&utm_medium=referral

A solitary large data center located in space would present significant challenges in cooling via radiant heat dissipation.

Electronics designed for terrestrial use rely on air circulation for cooling. Transitioning from air to a gas like helium significantly alters their thermal properties. Now, consider the operation of these devices in a vacuum!
All of these systems need to be re-engineered for functionality in a vacuum or within a closed-loop environment (closed cooling systems of water and ammonia, like those in the international space station).

This is merely one of the many factors to take into account when operating in a vacuum. Another important consideration is ensuring that the servers remain shaded (heat tiles) and the solar panels remain in the sun light.
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Bob Yancy
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8:31p, 6/20/26
You guys are good! Where were yall when I was desperate for IT gurus back in the day?!

There are currently about 10,600 Starlink satellites in orbit. SpaceX launches batches of 20-60 satellites every few days, making it the largest active satellite constellation in history.

They have the transport system, the deployment system, and proof of concept with a functioning satellite constellation. They still need to scale the effort and they need to make the semiconductor chips (Gibbons, if approved) to install in the data satellites.

Extraordinary, but nowhere near farfetched.

Respectfully

Yancy '95
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Hornbeck
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In reply to Bob Yancy • 12:35a, 6/21/26
AG
This. Think Starlink with more compute power than they have today. As the older satellites age, and are taken out of service (burnt up in the upper atmosphere), they will be replaced with these.

I think it's a good idea. The issues will be latency, IMHO.

RFC 1925, rule 2 - No matter how hard you push and no matter what the priority, you can't increase the speed of light.
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MyMDbcs
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In reply to Hornbeck • 12:54p, 6/22/26
Current Starlink round-trip latency is typically ~20 ms (1/50th of a second).
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Hornbeck
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In reply to MyMDbcs • 1:12p, 6/22/26
AG
MyMDbcs said:
Current Starlink round-trip latency is typically ~20 ms (1/50th of a second).

On a great day.

From Starlink -

Starlink's latency typically ranges from 25 to 60 ms for terrestrial users, making it highly competitive with traditional cable and DSL internet. Thanks to its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, this is a massive improvement over older geostationary satellite internet, which often exceeds 600 ms of latency.

Starlink Latency by Plan and Region
  • Standard Residential / Business (Land): Generally sits between 20 and 40 ms, with median speeds during peak hours in the US clocking in around 25 to 33 ms.
  • Maritime / Remote (Oceans, Polar, etc.): Can increase to 100+ ms due to fewer satellites and reliance on inter-satellite laser links.
  • International Routing: Can jump to 80 - 100 ms for long-haul routes (like US to Asia) as the network uses optical space lasers to route data.
I would imagine server racks in space would still be affected by rain fade, etc.

Space-based data centers aim to bypass the growing real estate, water, and power constraints of terrestrial facilities. Operating in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) provides virtually uninterrupted solar energy and efficient, free cooling by radiating heat into the vacuum of space.

The Architecture
  • AI1 Satellites: SpaceX's design is simpler than existing Starlink satellites, comprising primarily a compute module, large deployable solar panels, and a cooling radiator.
  • Constellation: SpaceX has filed plans with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for a constellation of up to one million satellites, which will be deployed using their heavy-lift Starship rocket.
  • Global Relay Network: The orbiting servers will communicate with Earth and each other using Starlink's existing optical space laser network.
One million satellites in orbit.... that might generate some space junk.... Regardless, the big stock trading operations and autonomous vehicles will still require ultra low latency.
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Orlando Ayala Cant Read
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3:27p, 6/22/26
AG
Apologies to the board as I haven't really kept up w this thread and maybe my question has answers from before but I'll ask anyway....

We have a good size chunk of land in Grimes County off 105 not far from the 249/105 meet. Is this area likely to be affected by this deal? We are considering selling but are by no means motivated or in a hurry to sell it.
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Captn_Ag05
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In reply to Orlando Ayala Cant Read • 3:32p, 6/22/26
AG
Not directly. But, if it goes through the entire area will likely be impacted with growth and increased property values.
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tu ag
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3:35p, 6/22/26
AG
Agreed - if the deal happens, land values are going to skyrocket. First in the adjacent areas, then spiraling further and further out.

I did hear about someone getting offered 10X over appraisal on a large chunk of land, by someone speculating it would rise higher.
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Bob Yancy
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In reply to Orlando Ayala Cant Read • 3:54p, 6/22/26
Orlando Ayala Cant Read said:
Apologies to the board as I haven't really kept up w this thread and maybe my question has answers from before but I'll ask anyway....

We have a good size chunk of land in Grimes County off 105 not far from the 249/105 meet. Is this area likely to be affected by this deal? We are considering selling but are by no means motivated or in a hurry to sell it.


I'd say you have a winner. I like those success stories I hope your family does well with it.

Respectfully

Yancy '95
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AggiePhil
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8:53a, 6/23/26
AG
https://www.kbtx.com/2026/06/23/spacex-officially-signs-terafab-tax-agreement-with-grimes-county/
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Bob Yancy
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In reply to AggiePhil • 11:39a, 6/23/26
AggiePhil said:
https://www.kbtx.com/2026/06/23/spacex-officially-signs-terafab-tax-agreement-with-grimes-county/


I imagine they decided to sign once the Comptroller recommended approval. It's highly likely that the school districts will agree now because both SpaceX and the state will be funding the school districts under the Comptroller blessed JETI agreements. While the school district vote isn't a formality, it's close to one.

I expect we'll get a visit from the governor and a "high ranking" SpaceX executive soon after the schools vote- if they approve it. Perhaps if that happens, the governor will sign both JETI agreements in a signing ceremony in Grimes County somewhere.

If that happens, it'll likely be about 3 weeks from now, I would guesstimate.

Respectfully

Yancy '95
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TyHolden
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11:18a, 6/24/26
AG
Went to Yankee Tavern last night.
Got there around 8:15pm. Didn't realize the kitchen closed at 8pm.
They still made dinner for our group and another behind us.
We left right after 9:15pm. They closed at 9pm.
Great place.
I hope I did not offend anybody with this post. If I did, please come see me at my address in my profile so we can talk.
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Rapier108
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In reply to Captn_Ag05 • 10:56a, 6/25/26
Captn_Ag05 said:
Not directly. But, if it goes through the entire area will likely be impacted with growth and increased property values.

This is the concern I have. The counties will love jacking up everyone's property values and basically end up taxing people out of their homes.

If my property taxes doubled, it would be very difficult to keep my house. Anything more and there would be no chance.

And just think about the people who live close to the actual site. Their valuations could go up 5-10+ times the current value in only a few years. I have a few friends and coworkers who live in Grimes County and that is their biggest concern.
"If you will not fight for right when you can easily win without blood shed; if you will not fight when your victory is sure and not too costly; you may come to the moment when you will have to fight with all the odds against you and only a precarious chance of survival. There may even be a worse case. You may have to fight when there is no hope of victory, because it is better to perish than to live as slaves." - Sir Winston Churchill
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Hornbeck
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In reply to Rapier108 • 1:59p, 6/25/26
AG
I've already told my wife that if our house valuation doubles, we are outta here. It's worth 2x what we bought it for in 2018 now.
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Gator92
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In reply to Hornbeck • 6:52p, 6/25/26
AG
Hornbeck said:
I've already told my wife that if our house valuation doubles, we are outta here. It's worth 2x what we bought it for in 2018 now.

Valuations may go up, but tax jurisdictions will have to lower their rates. Else, they will have to hold a TRE.

Tax Rate Election.

If total tax revenues(dollars) go up more than 2-3% depending on the tax jurisdiction, then a TRE must be held to keep current rates. It's the only good thing the TX lege has passed. Passed in 2019. However, enforcement has been lax.
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oklaunion
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7:22p, 6/25/26
And remember, the Tax Assessor/Collector of each county in Texas is an elected position so those who are screaming about their future ability to afford their homes should make sure of where that person running for that position stands regarding taxation.
I am not referring to anyone on this thread but to those on the various Grimes county Facebook groups who have been making threats.
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Gator92
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In reply to oklaunion • 7:56p, 6/25/26
AG
oklaunion said:
And remember, the Tax Assessor/Collector of each county in Texas is an elected position so those who are screaming about their future ability to afford their homes should make sure of where that person running for that position stands regarding taxation.
I am not referring to anyone on this thread but to those on the various Grimes county Facebook groups who have been making threats.

Except the TAC has nothing to do w/ setting rates or valuations.

County commissioners, city councils, school boards have have everything to do w/ setting your rates, spending your money and nominating appraisal districts.

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oklaunion
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In reply to Gator92 • 8:04p, 6/25/26
You are correct.
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jac4
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7:35a, 6/26/26
AG
I hope we can capitalize on this in a big way. Our goal should not be to be the next Hutto or Taylor, TX.

If we really seize the opportunity, we could be the next Bentonville, AR or Huntsville, AL!
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jbeaman88
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7:56a, 6/26/26
AG
Shell company tied to Elon Musk bought 6 parcels of land in Grimes County totaling almost 2800 acres on 5/26/26: https://www.kbtx.com/2026/06/26/elon-musk-connected-company-buys-land-water-infrastructure-before-grimes-countys-spacex-tax-vote/
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tu ag
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In reply to jbeaman88 • 8:55a, 6/26/26
AG
That is decent research, but they write it like a "gotcha" story - which it isn't.
KBTX can't help themselves with clickbait.
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EBrazosAg
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10:09a, 6/26/26
AG
It will be interesting to see how the water rights from the BRA work for Gibbons Creek Res and this. I seem to remember they were pretty specific about using it for the power plant and only if the lake level was lower than a certain level. I have not seen anything about a change post power plant demolition. Maybe I missed it.
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
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Rapier108
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In reply to tu ag • 10:26a, 6/26/26
tu ag said:
That is decent research, but they write it like a "gotcha" story - which it isn't.
KBTX can't help themselves with clickbait.

Yep, they've been trying to gin up as much negative publicity as possible simply because it is Musk. Heck, people still think its a datacenter becase KBTX would often toss "datacenter" into many of the early reports.

And buying land before the price skyrockets is standard practice for large companies. Nothing nefarious about it despite Rusty's desire to besmirch Musk and SpaceX.
"If you will not fight for right when you can easily win without blood shed; if you will not fight when your victory is sure and not too costly; you may come to the moment when you will have to fight with all the odds against you and only a precarious chance of survival. There may even be a worse case. You may have to fight when there is no hope of victory, because it is better to perish than to live as slaves." - Sir Winston Churchill
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Hornbeck
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In reply to Rapier108 • 10:44a, 6/26/26
AG
Rusty has an agenda?!?!?

Next you'll tell me water is wet.
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GrimesCoAg95
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In reply to Rapier108 • 11:50a, 6/26/26
AG
I think the point is also that SpaceX was comfortable buying a lot of acreage before the vote by the county commissioners and the judge. In fact, it was around the time the county released the maps for the reinvestment zone.
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techno-ag
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In reply to GrimesCoAg95 • 12:17p, 6/26/26
AG
GrimesCoAg95 said:
I think the point is also that SpaceX was comfortable buying a lot of acreage before the vote by the county commissioners and the judge. In fact, it was around the time the county released the maps for the reinvestment zone.
Hope that's a good sign for this to move forward.
The left cannot kill the Spirit of Charlie Kirk.
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techno-ag
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In reply to tu ag • 12:20p, 6/26/26
AG
tu ag said:
That is decent research, but they write it like a "gotcha" story - which it isn't.
KBTX can't help themselves with clickbait.

Yes very typical sad to say. Let's not forget the careers they've ruined for the sake of clicks.

Hopefully they won't derail the biggest economic impact for our area since the state decided to put A&M here.
The left cannot kill the Spirit of Charlie Kirk.
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Ag97
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In reply to EBrazosAg • 12:54p, 6/26/26
AG
EBrazosAg said:
It will be interesting to see how the water rights from the BRA work for Gibbons Creek Res and this. I seem to remember they were pretty specific about using it for the power plant and only if the lake level was lower than a certain level. I have not seen anything about a change post power plant demolition. Maybe I missed it.

I imagine Musk will just buy the water rights from someone and pump the river when needed. Most all the water in the BRA is sold before it hits the gulf. From municipalities up north, to farms in central Texas to industrial down along the coast. He just has to find the right entity and offer them enough money. Same thing he has done at most of his locations when he needs something. I wonder if the purchase of the lake came with the water rights that TMPA had when operational and he just needed the land with the pumping station and pipeline that is already there leading back to the site?
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GrimesCoAg95
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In reply to techno-ag • 1:32p, 6/26/26
AG
I think SpaceX signing the agreement with the county was the sign some were looking for as it kicks in the payments to Grimes County.
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TyHolden
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In reply to GrimesCoAg95 • 3:48p, 6/26/26
AG
GrimesCoAg95 said:
I think SpaceX signing the agreement with the county was the sign some were looking for as it kicks in the payments to Grimes County.



I hope I did not offend anybody with this post. If I did, please come see me at my address in my profile so we can talk.
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EBrazosAg
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In reply to Ag97 • 7:42p, 6/26/26
AG
BRA rights don't trade like the groundwater rights do with ownership transfer. They obviously want water out of the Navasota or they wouldn't have obtained the land they did for the current setup to pump from the Navasota to Gibbons Creek.
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
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woodometer
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9:11p, 6/26/26
AG
Perhaps they are just covering their bases like TMPA did in case the level of the lake drops which it certainly will at some point.
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TAMU1990
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In reply to jac4 • 8:45p, 6/28/26
AG
jac4 said:
I hope we can capitalize on this in a big way. Our goal should not be to be the next Hutto or Taylor, TX.

If we really seize the opportunity, we could be the next Bentonville, AR or Huntsville, AL!


Taylor really hasn't changed much. Hutto got the growth
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oklaunion
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In reply to TAMU1990 • 9:00p, 6/28/26
I remember when the Hutto Hippos were a class B school.
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