Google Launches Mini Data Center into Space Amid Ambitious Market Projections

Google is launching a refrigerator-sized data center into orbit next week as part of Project Suncatcher, which aims to tap into a market projected to reach $28.16 billion by 2040.

The first test satellite, dubbed MVP, will carry four custom TPU accelerators used in Google's servers on the ground. However, these chips can only run for short bursts of 15 minutes due to cooling issues in space.

Google has integrated its chips into a pre-existing satellite from Planet Labs and plans to test Gemini models using the custom hardware. The solar panels provide limited power, equivalent to running a microwave or hair dryer.