Google Takes First Step Towards Orbital Data Center with Compute Satellite Launch
Google's ambitious plan to build an orbital data center has taken another step forward. The tech giant sent its first compute satellite, built by Planet Labs and powered by a Google Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), into space on a SpaceX rocket. This is part of Project Suncatcher, which aims to create large-scale compute clusters in orbit around the Earth.
The satellite will test how well the TPU can function in space, supplying 1 kilowatt of continuous power and cooling the chip while running various models. It's expected to fire up its TPU in 15-minute bursts to avoid straining the satellite's systems. Google is working on a demo with Planet Labs that will feature two satellites designed for advanced compute workloads.
What sets Google apart from other space-focused companies, including SpaceX itself, is its long-term approach. The company envisions an orbital data center consisting of 81 satellites flying in close formation and processing in parallel. This would require significant advancements in rocket technology to scale up efficiently.