According to an internal email, SpaceX promised that if employees volunteered to work in Memphis for six weeks to help build a critical data center project, their salary would increase by 20% during the mission period, while also being eligible for a “bonus linked to project results.” The email stated that volunteers are not required to have already held management positions; experience in the construction industry is a plus, and “initiative is paramount.” Applicants “must perform well” and have been employed for at least one year. The email described the move to draw employees from other SpaceX departments to assist in the construction of the company's data center as a “surprise operation.” Another email shows that since at least August, the company has been providing employees participating in the “surprise” program with an additional allowance equal to 20% of their salary to encourage them to work in Memphis.

According to an internal email, SpaceX promised that if employees volunteered to work in Memphis for six weeks to help build a critical data center project, their salary would increase by 20% during the mission period, while also being eligible for a “bonus linked to project results.” The email stated that volunteers are not required to have already held management positions; experience in the construction industry is a plus, and “initiative is paramount.” Applicants “must perform well” and have been employed for at least one year. The email described the move to draw employees from other SpaceX departments to assist in the construction of the company's data center as a “surprise operation.” Another email shows that since at least August, the company has been providing employees participating in the “surprise” program with an additional allowance equal to 20% of their salary to encourage them to work in Memphis.