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Google Launches Project Suncatcher to Push AI Computing Into Space

Prototype satellites with Planet are slated for early 2027 following lab radiation trials that left TPU v6e chips intact, with thermal control plus on‑orbit reliability still unresolved.

Overview

  • Google announced the moonshot research effort on November 4 to extend machine‑learning workloads beyond Earth.
  • The project explores satellites carrying Google’s TPU accelerators to form a scalable, interconnected computing network in space.
  • Google cites abundant space solar energy as a key rationale for off‑planet AI infrastructure.
  • Sundar Pichai said particle‑accelerator simulations of low‑Earth‑orbit radiation left the TPU v6e Trillium chip intact.
  • Two hardware‑test prototype satellites are planned with Planet in early 2027 to validate components and operations in orbit.