Google Tests AI Data Center in Orbit with Project Suncatcher

Google is taking a crucial step in its ambitious Project Suncatcher, aiming to create a constellation of AI data centers in low-Earth orbit. On March 1, the company will launch an experimental prototype satellite called MVP on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of Transporter-18 rideshare mission.

The MVP satellite is equipped with custom-designed Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) and will test its performance in space, including how it handles radiation and thermal extremes. According to Google, the TPUs can operate for about 15 minutes before needing to be shut down for cooling.

Google's goal is to create a data center that receives nearly 24/7 power from the Sun and uses the cooling properties of space, which could significantly reduce energy consumption compared to traditional data centers. The company expects future orbital data centers to each be powered by dozens of TPUs and fly in clusters.