Google plans to test AI computer chips in space

Google has announced Project Suncatcher, a research initiative to explore the possibility of running powerful AI systems in space.

According to an official blog post by the company, the project's goal is to study how a network of satellites equipped with Google's specialised TPU computer chips could be used to scale machine learning operations.

The company stated it has begun foundational work, including testing how its AI chips withstand space radiation. According to Google, the project will partner with satellite company Planet to launch two prototype satellites by early 2027. These prototypes will test the hardware's performance in orbit.

Google described the project as a "moonshot" research effort, similar to its work on autonomous vehicles and quantum computing. The concept involves using solar-powered satellites to harness energy from the sun for computational purposes.