Google is building solar-powered satellites to run AI in space
On November 5, 2025, Google revealed Project Suncatcher—a plan to launch two solar-powered satellites loaded with AI chips into orbit by early 2027.
These floating datacenters are Google's answer to the huge demand for computing power that's pushing Earth-based servers to their limits.
The satellites will be in a special orbit to soak up sunlight
The satellites will circle Earth in a special orbit that lets them soak up sunlight almost nonstop, cutting down on battery needs.
They'll talk to each other using super-fast laser links tested at speeds up to 1.6 Tbps.
Still, there are big hurdles—like shielding the hardware from space radiation and keeping those high-speed connections stable.
Project Suncatcher could totally shake up how we power AI
If it works, Project Suncatcher could totally shake up how we power AI—taking some of the load off crowded ground datacenters and opening new doors for tech in space.
While there are worries about satellite traffic and launch pollution, this is a bold leap for both AI and space innovation.