FTC approves SpaceX acquisition of Mesh Optical Technologies (optical interconnect startup founded by ex-SpaceX engineers).

SpaceX has received official approval from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission to acquire Mesh Optical Technologies, a startup founded by former SpaceX engineers. The regulator completed an expedited antitrust review and found no competitive concerns with the deal.

Mesh Optical Technologies develops optical transceivers that use light-based technology for fast and energy-efficient data transmission between data centers. The company claims its solution significantly reduces latency and energy consumption compared to traditional approaches.

The startup was founded by former SpaceX engineers who previously worked on laser communication channels for the Starlink satellite network. It emerged from stealth mode in February 2026 with a $50 million funding round led by Thrive Capital. The company also plans to adapt its optical platform for space communication systems in addition to terrestrial data centers.

The Mesh Optical acquisition follows SpaceX's recent purchase of Cursor, an AI startup. Both deals align with the extensive AI development strategy Elon Musk presented to investors during the SpaceX IPO process. Following the historic initial public offering—where SpaceX raised $75 billion at $135 per share—the company is aggressively investing in AI infrastructure. Cursor is expected to enhance xAI lab programming capabilities, SpaceX is constructing new data centers in Tennessee and Mississippi, and has signed multiple agreements with Anthropic, Google, and Reflection for access to proprietary chips and computing power.

Mesh Optical is positioned to become a key component of Starmind, SpaceX's planned space computing network that will use laser communication between satellites to enable high-speed data transmission, mirroring Starlink's architecture.

Beyond these technological acquisitions, SpaceX is pursuing other strategic initiatives, including the development of X, a "super app" for which Musk announced a banking and payment service called X Money. The service is currently in beta testing with select premium U.S. users.

Following the record IPO, SpaceX's stock price surged to over $210 per share, making the company one of the six most valuable public companies globally by market capitalization.