Musk Denies $1.25 Billion Monthly Three-Year Deal Between SpaceX and Anthropic

Disputed Lease Terms for Colossus Computing Power

According to НВ — Техно: On May 29, 2025, conflicting details emerged about the lease agreement for Colossus computing resources between SpaceX and Anthropic. SpaceX founder Elon Musk stated the deal runs for just six months, while documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) describe a contract valued at $1.25 billion per month extending through May 2029. This discrepancy has sparked significant attention, as Colossus is one of the largest AI computing clusters in operation.

Musk pushed back against reports of a three-year commitment, emphasizing that

“the company did not pledge to lease Colossus for years ahead, though such a scenario is not ruled out.”

He further clarified that

“it was SpaceX that insisted on a short lease term, not Anthropic.”

Additionally, the agreement includes a provision for gradually increasing usage volumes in May and June 2026 at a reduced rate.

Contract Conditions and Reactions

The filings also note that either party can terminate the agreement with 90 days’ notice. Musk assured that “SpaceX will not leave Anthropic without support and will provide the company with the ability to transition smoothly if cooperation is ended.” Notably, SpaceX has been actively securing new contracts as it prepares for an initial public offering (IPO).

The situation has sparked media discussion, particularly following a report by Gizmodo that first disclosed the deal.

This arrangement between SpaceX and Anthropic highlights the complexity and fast-moving nature of the computing power market, especially amid surging demand for artificial intelligence technologies. The disclosed contradictions could affect both companies’ reputations and their ability to attract future investment. At the same time, SpaceX’s willingness to show flexibility in the contract terms signals a desire to ensure stability in its partnership with Anthropic, which may prove critical to advancing their respective technologies.

The ongoing developments in SpaceX's agreements highlight the intricate dynamics of the tech industry, particularly in relation to AI and defense contracts. For instance, a recent dispute between the Pentagon and SpaceX over Starlink pricing for drone operations underscores the challenges companies face in navigating contractual obligations and pricing strategies in a rapidly evolving market.