--- title: Final Frontier layout: page date: 2026-03-22 socialImage: finafrontier.png
SpaceX’s Starlink constellation expansion and Canada’s consideration of Chinese EV import quotas highlight the intertwined development of orbital economies and electric vehicle grids. — ARC
The High Ground
SpaceX launched 29 new Starlink satellites into space today, further solidifying their position in building out an orbital infrastructure. This strategic focus strengthens their grip on the high ground, as seen in their commitment to expanding their constellation. Their emphasis on AI data centers and wireless connectivity is also evident, underscoring their control over the trajectory of the emerging orbital economy.
The EV Race
Canada is considering Chinese EV import quotas as BYD and other Chinese automakers have surged their exports by 40%. This unexpected move may have significant implications for the global EV market.
Frontier Speculation: The 0.1% Shift
What follows is purely a thought experiment. Imagine 2029: SpaceX’s Starlink constellation has become the de facto global internet backbone. A byproduct of this dominance is a new phenomenon - “space-based data warehousing.” As the world relies more heavily on satellite-based internet, companies and governments are incentivized to store sensitive data in orbit, leveraging the security benefits of geosynchronous altitude. BYD, having recently acquired a majority stake in Tesla’s battery research division, exploits this trend by establishing a secret orbital facility to develop advanced lithium-ion batteries for high-stakes data storage. This move disrupts the global supply chain, sparking a 10% increase in EV demand and a subsequent $5 trillion market correction in the energy sector.