Google is discussing future launch options with SpaceX and other companies for Project Suncatcher, a research effort into orbital AI data centres. The project is designed to test whether AI computing infrastructure can operate in orbit.
The project centres on a network of solar-powered satellites carrying Google’s Tensor Processing Units, or TPUs. The satellites would use free-space optical links to move data between each other.
Google plans to launch an initial learning mission with Planet Labs in early 2027. According to Google’s research post, the mission is expected to involve two prototype satellites that will test its hardware and design in orbit.
Reuters reported that Google confirmed the launch discussions on Tuesday, after The Wall Street Journal first reported the development.
Google’s Project Suncatcher research also discusses power availability in orbit. In its research, it said satellites in certain orbits can access solar energy more consistently than ground-based systems. These satellites would also avoid the day-night cycle and weather conditions that affect solar generation on Earth.
Google’s research also compares launch costs with terrestrial data centre energy costs. Data Centre Dynamics, citing Google’s research, reported that US data centre power costs are estimated at about US$570 to US$3,000 per kW per year.
Google’s paper said launch costs to low Earth orbit would need to fall to about US$200 per kg. At that level, the launch cost spread in a spacecraft’s operating life could become roughly comparable with terrestrial data centre energy costs on a per-kW basis. The comparison depends on launch costs falling to that level, and is exclusive of any costs of operating a data centre in orbit.
Google’s research identifies several technical areas that need further work. It proposes optical communication between satellites and constellation coordination. It also points to issues around radiation durability (electronic components exposed to the radiation of space), thermal design (how to cool equipment in a vacuum), and deployment economics (the cost of getting payloads into orbit).
SpaceX’s AI infrastructure links
The launch discussions involve SpaceX as a possible launch provider for Project Suncatcher. SpaceX has experience launching large satellite constellations through Starlink and operates reusable rockets that are central to its launch business.
SpaceX has also been tied to another AI infrastructure agreement. Reuters reported that Anthropic agreed last week to use the full computing power of SpaceX’s Colossus 1 facility in Memphis. Anthropic also expressed interest in working with SpaceX on multiple gigawatts of space-based orbital data centres, although no plans have been published nor funds committed.
Google’s planned prototype with Planet Labs is the next stated step for Project Suncatcher. Planet Labs already operates Earth-imaging satellites and is Google’s partner for the first test phase.
(Photo by NASA)
See also: SpaceX, data centres in space, and commercial viability
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