Google Takes First Step Towards Orbital AI Data Centers
Google is taking a major step towards realizing Elon Musk's dream of AI data centers in space. The tech giant will launch an experimental satellite, called MVP, on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket next Thursday, October 1, 2026. This satellite is part of Google's Project Suncatcher initiative, which aims to establish AI data centers in orbit.
The satellite contains four tensor processing units (TPUs), specialized chips that have the computing power of one server on Earth. These chips will be powered by the satellite's solar panels, providing 1 kilowatt of power. This is all Google needs for this particular experiment, which will test how the hardware performs in space.
The satellite will operate in space for a year, processing short queries for up to 15 minutes while Google's Gemini AI responds. After that period, the chips will need to shut down to cool using a special system, as fans don't work in space. The satellite is expected to remain in orbit for six years before it burns up in the atmosphere.
Musk's SpaceX acquired his AI company xAI earlier this year, with Musk stating that one of the main reasons was to work on putting AI data centers in space. Google seems to agree, as Project Suncatcher was greenlit in May 2025, shortly after Musk shared his orbital AI data center goals.