Google is testing the operation of artificial intelligence in space via a new satellite

The satellite was launched on Thursday from the Space Force's Vandenberg Base in California, aboard SpaceX's "Transporter-18" mission, designed to transport multiple payloads.

The mission aims to test the ability of artificial intelligence devices to operate in the harsh conditions of space, including high levels of radiation, physical pressures, and extreme temperatures. Engineers will also monitor the chips' ability to dissipate heat in the airless environment of space, where there is no airflow to help cool them.

In this context, Maria Biggs, Director of Engineering at Google, said that the “Suncatcher Project” is based on the idea of ​​expanding the scope of artificial intelligence infrastructure through orbital data centers that take advantage of the abundant solar energy in space.

This mission is different from previous experiments, including the European Space Agency's "PhiSat-1" mission, which used artificial intelligence chips in space for tasks that included environmental monitoring. This time, Google is looking to test artificial intelligence computing capabilities that approach the levels used in ground-based data centers. If the experiment is successful, the results may open the way to creating huge constellations of satellites equipped with artificial intelligence technologies.

However, this trend raises concerns about the increased risk of collisions and the accumulation of space debris, in addition to light pollution that may harm the work of astronomers. This comes in light of the increasing plans to establish orbital data centers, after Elon Musk, head of SpaceX, revealed earlier this year an ambition to launch up to one million satellites that could perform the function of data centers dedicated to artificial intelligence.