Google is set to launch a small AI data center into space
Computerworld ·
On October 1, Google’s first test satellite for Project Suncatcher is set to be launched. This is the next step in the company’s plan to build AI data centers in Earth’s orbit, according to The New York Times . The idea is, among other things, to harness solar energy in space instead of building ever-larger data centers on Earth. The first satellite, MVP, is about the size of a refrigerator and was built by the satellite company Planet Labs. On board are four of Google’s TPU accelerators, which will be used to run Gemini in space. MVP is equipped with solar panels that generate about one kilowatt. This, combined with cooling limitations, means the TPU chips can only run for 15 minutes at a time during testing. Google plans additional launches in 2027. The goal is a network of AI satellites that communicate with each other via high-speed laser links. However, Google expects it will take several years before Project Suncatcher can be developed into an actual product. Data centers on Earth: California joins US states clamping down on data center gold rush Data center backlash could slow CIOs’ AI plans Can Microsoft build massive AI data centers and meet climate goals without ‘greenwashing’? Is the rise of genAI about to create an energy crisis?
On October 1, Google’s first test satellite for Project Suncatcher is set to be launched. This is the next step in the company’s plan to build AI data centers in Earth’s orbit, according to The New York Times . The idea is, among other things, to harness solar energy in space instead of building ever-larger data centers on Earth. The first satellite, MVP, is about the size of a refrigerator and was built by the satellite company Planet Labs. On board are four of Google’s TPU accelerators, which will be used to run Gemini in space. MVP is equipped with solar panels that generate about one kilowatt. This, combined with cooling limitations, means the TPU chips can only run for 15 minutes at a time during testing. Google plans additional launches in 2027. The goal is a network of AI satellites that communicate with each other via high-speed laser links. However, Google expects it will take several years before Project Suncatcher can be developed into an actual product. Data centers on Earth: California joins US states clamping down on data center gold rush Data center backlash could slow CIOs’ AI plans Can Microsoft build massive AI data centers and meet climate goals without ‘greenwashing’? Is the rise of genAI about to create an energy crisis?