Google is Preparing to Launch a Prototype Satellite to Test Artificial Intelligence Chips in Space

Google is preparing for its first orbital test to see whether its artificial intelligence chips can work in space conditions.

Within the scope of the research called Project Suncatcher, a prototype satellite is planned to be launched into low Earth orbit next week.

In the mission carried out in cooperation with Planet Labs, the satellite will be carried into space with SpaceX's Transporter-18 launch. The test will examine how the TPU chips used by Google for artificial intelligence operations withstand the forces occurring during launch, space radiation and extreme temperature changes.

One of the main topics of the research is that radiation can cause data errors in electronic systems.

Google will also test how to cool chips in space. For this environment where cooling with airflow is not possible, a design using heat pipes and radiators together is being evaluated.

The company emphasizes that the first mission is not aimed at establishing a working space data center. The goal is to collect data in orbit and identify possible technical problems.

Google aims to launch two more satellites in 2027 to test the high-capacity laser links needed to connect future computing systems.

Data centers running artificial intelligence systems consume large amounts of electricity. As this need increases, technology companies are exploring options that can reduce dependence on the Earth's energy infrastructure. One is to move data centers into low Earth orbit.

The basic idea here is that satellites can benefit from sunlight almost uninterruptedly. SpaceX and Starcloud are also among the companies working on this idea.

However, obtaining energy in space is not enough to establish a data center. The chips must withstand the forces, radiation and extreme temperature changes generated during launch.

Radiation can cause data errors in electronic systems; It is not possible to cool devices with air flow in the vacuum of space.

In addition, producing and launching a large number of satellites and establishing fast data connections between them requires serious engineering work. Experts state that due to high costs and these technical difficulties, it may take years for data centers in space to be put into commercial use.