Google Puts AI Chips into Orbit as Project Suncatcher Takes Off
Alphabet is pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence by preparing to put its AI chips into orbit. This move marks a significant step in Project Suncatcher, an ongoing research effort that aims to address one of AI's biggest long-term constraints: finding enough power and infrastructure to support ever-larger computing clusters.
The first in-orbit hardware test will be conducted aboard SpaceX's Transporter-18 rideshare mission in collaboration with Planet. The prototype satellite will test how Google Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) withstand launch vibration, radiation, and extreme temperature conditions in low Earth orbit.
Early laboratory results have been encouraging, with the Trillium TPUs tolerating radiation exposure beyond what would be expected during a five-year mission. However, thermal management presents another major hurdle, as conventional air cooling does not work in the vacuum of space. Google is evaluating heat pipes and radiators to move heat away from processors.
The longer-term vision for Project Suncatcher envisions clusters of solar-powered satellites carrying TPUs and connected through high-speed optical links. These satellites could potentially generate power almost continuously, with solar panels in certain orbits being as much as eight times more productive than on Earth.