Google is building AI data centers in space
What's the story
Google has announced a groundbreaking research project called 'Project Suncatcher.' The initiative aims to build artificial intelligence (AI) data centers in space, powered by solar energy. The company envisions a network of solar-powered satellites carrying its Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), or AI chips, in low-Earth orbit. These satellites could be interconnected internally and possibly with Earth, creating an AI data center in space.
Collaboration details
Collaboration with Planet Labs
Google is working with satellite manufacturer Planet Labs to launch two prototype AI satellites by early 2027. The goal is to test the hardware in orbit. This ambitious project comes as global demand for AI data center capacity is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 19-22% by 2030, according to a McKinsey & Co. report.
Energy efficiency
Solar panel can be significantly more productive in space
Google's Project Suncatcher leverages the fact that a solar panel can be up to eight times more productive in space than on Earth. This would allow for nearly continuous power generation, reducing reliance on batteries. The company has also published a preprint paper detailing its progress on this ambitious project, which is still in the early research stage.
Energy consumption
Energy consumption of AI data centers
AI data centers consume a lot of energy, with servers alone accounting for 60% of their electricity demand. Storage systems and networking equipment account for around 5% each, while cooling systems can account for between 7% and 30%, depending on the sophistication of the AI data center. The International Energy Agency predicts that energy consumption by these centers will double to nearly 3% of global energy demand by 2030.
Hurdles
Challenges ahead for Project Suncatcher
Despite its potential, Project Suncatcher faces several challenges. These include maintaining close formation in low-Earth orbit, dealing with gravity anomalies and atmospheric drag, radiation risks from the space environment, and thermal management issues.