Google is sending AI to space
Google just unveiled Project Suncatcher, their bold new plan to run AI using solar energy gathered by satellites in space.
With AI models getting bigger and data centers on Earth needing more resources, Google's hoping these sun-soaked satellites can handle the heavy lifting—without draining our planet's power and water.
Project Suncatcher
The project aims to launch about 80 satellites, each loaded with Google's machine learning chips, orbiting 644km above us and chatting via free-space optical communication beams.
Two test satellites are set for liftoff by early 2027 to see how well they work in space.
A full rollout is unlikely before the mid-2030s, if it ever happens, but this could be a big leap toward greener tech—even if there are some tricky challenges like keeping the satellites cool and connected.