Google's Space-Based AI Satellite Set for First Test
Alphabet Inc.'s (NASDAQ:GOOGL) (NASDAQ:GOOG) CEO Sundar Pichai announced that Google's Project Suncatcher will conduct its first test in space, with the company preparing to evaluate the performance of its AI chips, Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), in orbit.
Pichai said the TPUs will launch aboard SpaceX's upcoming Transporter-18 rideshare mission. This mission is a joint effort with Planet Labs PBC (NYSE:PL) and will carry a prototype satellite for the test.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk expressed his support for the venture, responding to Pichai with two rocket emojis.
Project Suncatcher aims to address AI's growing energy demands by developing space-based data centers that can harness solar power more efficiently. Pichai suggested that orbital computing could become mainstream within a decade.