Google Launches Satellite Computing Project in Space

Google is sending its computing infrastructure into space as part of its Suncatcher project. The first in-orbit test will launch on October 1, with a total computing power roughly equal to that of a single ground-based server.

The satellite, codenamed MVP, will be sent to space via SpaceX's Transporter-18 rideshare mission and will enter a low Earth orbit that is almost permanently illuminated by sunlight.

The ultimate goal of the Suncatcher project is to explore the approach to deploying computing power for large-scale operations in space. This would provide access to far stronger solar energy and eliminate the need to build ground data centers.