Tech companies race to launch AI data centers into orbit

Tech companies are racing to place AI data centers in orbit, driven by terrestrial power grid strain and cooling challenges, with Google launching test chips into space on October 1. Proponents cite continuous solar energy, but critics question economic viability and cooling effectiveness in a vacuum. Google's Project Suncatcher sent four TPUs on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, while startups like Starcloud have flown Nvidia H100 chips. SpaceX aims to launch purpose-built orbital data center satellites by late 2027, with Blue Origin filing for a 51,600-satellite network. Skeptics argue rocket costs remain prohibitive, and space's vacuum prevents air or water cooling, relying only on slow radiation. Experts also warn of orbital debris risks like Kessler Syndrome, with some saying launch emissions could negate environmental benefits.