Musk plans to rename merged SpaceX and xAI venture SpaceXSI
Elon Musk says the company created by merging SpaceX and xAI will be renamed SpaceXSI, following US President Donald Trump’s order for federal agencies to use “super intelligence” instead of “artificial intelligence” in official communications. The move matters as it extends the terminology shift into Musk’s business branding, although Trump’s order does not require private companies to follow it.
Trump signed the order on 29 September, covering agency communications and other non-statutory documents. Musk endorsed the change online and said the rebrand would happen, but gave no date; spacexsi.com was listed for sale at the time of writing. The article notes that Musk previously renamed Twitter as X in 2023 and that technology leaders already use “superintelligence” to describe their ambitions.
- Musk says SpaceXAI will become SpaceXSI.
- Trump’s order applies to federal agencies, not private firms.
- No date has been given for the rebrand.
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SpaceX is Elon Musk's aerospace company that develops rockets and launches space missions. xAI is his artificial intelligence company. The two firms are being combined into a single business.
In late September, President Donald Trump ordered US federal agencies to adopt the term "super intelligence" instead of "artificial intelligence" in their official communications. Elon Musk publicly endorsed this shift and stated that the merged company would incorporate the new terminology into its name.
The development is notable because it shows how a government directive on terminology can influence business decisions, even though private companies are not legally required to comply. Musk has previously carried out significant company rebranding, notably renaming Twitter to X in 2023. Technology leaders across the industry increasingly use such terminology to describe the advanced artificial intelligence systems they are developing.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The term 'superintelligence' more precisely describes the technological aspirations of companies like xAI than the increasingly generic 'AI' label. Using more specific, accurate terminology reflects genuine progress in how we discuss advanced systems and aligns business language with technological reality. Musk's decision to adopt this framing demonstrates awareness of where the field is heading and represents sensible, forward-looking corporate strategy.
The case against
This rebranding appears primarily performative—a low-cost way to demonstrate political alignment with the Trump administration without substantive change to operations. The terminology shift is merely cosmetic; it doesn't alter what the technology does or how it's developed. Private companies voluntarily following government language directives suggests Musk prioritises political favour and public positioning over authentic business necessity.
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Originally published by The Register as “Musk follows Trump’s lead, swaps AI for SI in SpaceX rebrand”.