Google leads the space race for data centers with first Suncatcher satellite launch

Google launched its first Suncatcher test satellite on October 1, 2025, via a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California, marking a major step in its plan to place AI data centers in orbit amid growing terrestrial opposition. The satellite will evaluate the performance of Google's tensor processing units (TPUs) after enduring launch vibrations and space radiation exposure. This follows startup Starcloud's earlier deployment of AI chips, backed by Nvidia, though CNN notes the technology's viability and profitability remain unproven. Orbital data centers are still distant, but the project reflects broader tech industry interest in space infrastructure. SpaceX's June stock market debut also highlighted space-based computing ambitions, while on Earth, resistance has stalled roughly fifty data center projects across the United States.