Google tests AI chips in space to explore orbital data centers

Google launched a prototype satellite with its AI chips into orbit on Thursday to test if space-based solar power could sustain large-scale AI computing infrastructure. The satellite, built by Planet Labs and launched on SpaceX's Transporter-18 mission, carries Google's Tensor Processing Units to assess their performance under space radiation, extreme temperatures, and launch vibrations. The 'Project Suncatcher' initiative aims to leverage nearly constant sunlight in low Earth orbit, potentially capturing eight times more solar energy than on Earth. Data center energy consumption, driven by AI workloads, reached 415-485 terawatt-hours last year, representing 1.5-2.5% of global electricity generation and projected to double by 2030. Google joins other firms exploring space-based AI, including Nvidia-backed Starcloud, SpaceX's Starmind satellite, and Mistral's partnership with Marlan Space and Loft Orbital.