tech
December 8, 2025
Google has a ‘moonshot’ plan for AI data centers in space
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TL;DR
- Google's Project Suncatcher aims to create space-based AI data centers using solar-powered satellites.
- The goal is to harness solar power around-the-clock, providing a near-unlimited clean energy source for AI.
- Satellites could generate electricity eight times more productively than on Earth.
- Key challenges include achieving high-speed communication between satellites (tens of terabits per second) and maintaining close proximity.
- AI chips (TPUs) must withstand higher levels of space radiation.
- Google tested its TPUs for radiation tolerance, finding they can survive a 5-year mission.
- The cost of space data centers is projected to be comparable to Earth-based ones by the mid-2030s.
- Google plans a joint mission with Planet to launch prototype satellites by 2027.
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