In a groundbreaking move that could redefine the future of artificial intelligence infrastructure, Google has unveiled Project Suncatcher, an ambitious research initiative aimed at scaling AI compute in space using solar-powered satellite constellations equipped with Tensor Processing Units (TPUs).

“Inspired by our history of moonshots, from quantum computing to autonomous driving, Project Suncatcher explores how we could one day build scalable ML compute systems in space, harnessing more of the sun’s power,” said Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google.

Spearheaded by Travis Beals, Senior Director of Paradigms of Intelligence at Google, the project envisions low-Earth-orbit satellites performing machine learning workloads through high-speed optical links, creating a space-based data center network. Beals noted that solar panels in orbit can generate up to eight times more power than those on Earth, offering near-continuous energy with minimal battery dependence.

Google’s technical paper outlines a modular, interconnected satellite system with terabit-level inter-satellite bandwidth. Early tests show Google’s Trillium v6e Cloud TPUs performing resiliently under radiation, paving the way for prototype launches with Planet Labs by 2027.

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