Google to test AI chips in space under Project Suncatcher — Dawn

In Pakistan, Google plans to launch a prototype satellite next week for the first orbital test of Project Suncatcher. Under this research project, the company is studying whether large-scale infrastructure for artificial intelligence computing can be placed in space. Dawn reports.

Testing chips in orbit

The mission is planned to take place during SpaceX's upcoming Transporter-18 launch, in partnership with satellite company Planet Labs. A prototype satellite with Google's Tensor Processing Units, or TPUs, will be sent into low Earth orbit to test whether these chips can operate reliably in space.

During the mission, the equipment's resistance to launch stresses, radiation and extreme temperatures in low Earth orbit will be assessed. Space radiation can disrupt or degrade electronics, including by causing data errors known as bit flips.

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Cooling and laser communications

Google has already tested TPUs while performing AI tasks at a University of California, Davis facility. At the same time, the company said orbital tests are needed to understand how the equipment operates in real space conditions.

Separately, Google will evaluate a cooling system for power-intensive chips in a vacuum, where conventional air cooling cannot be used. A combination of heat pipes and radiators is planned for this purpose.

The company stressed that the first Suncatcher mission is intended to collect data in orbit and identify potential points of failure, rather than demonstrate a ready-made orbital data center. In 2027, Google plans to launch two satellites to test high-speed laser communication links needed to connect future computing clusters. Experts note that commercial implementation of this concept may take years more because of high launch costs, engineering limitations and difficulties with satellite production.