Google wants to build solar-powered data centers in space
Google just announced Project Suncatcher—a plan to launch solar-powered data centers into space by 2027.
The idea is to send up small racks of computers on satellites and slowly grow the network.
Why? Because AI is using way more electricity than ever, and Goldman Sachs estimated that electricity demand from data centers could swell by up to 165% by 2030.
How it works (and why it matters)
These space-based data centers will run on Google's custom chips, built to handle tough space conditions and heavy-duty AI tasks.
The first two prototype satellites are set to launch with Planet Labs as early as 2027.
Thanks to international space rules, these floating data hubs could serve clients from all over the world—helping Google keep up with the booming demand for cloud and AI power without burning through Earth's energy.