Google tests artificial intelligence in space

Google is preparing to test the use of artificial intelligence in space, as part of a project aiming to explore the possibility of building data centers in orbit.

The project, called Suncatcher, aims to assess whether satellites could be used in the future to run powerful artificial intelligence systems. The idea relies on the advantages of space, including continuous access to solar energy and available room for computing infrastructure.

Google is expected to launch a prototype satellite as part of the joint SpaceX mission, Transporter-18, in collaboration with Planet Labs.

The satellite will be equipped with Google’s Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) and will be placed in low Earth orbit. The test will examine whether the chips can operate stably under the extreme conditions of space, including radiation, high and low temperatures, and launch forces.

One of the main challenges is space radiation, which can cause damage or errors in electronic systems, including so-called “bit flips” in data.

Google is not the only company exploring this concept. SpaceX and Starcloud are also developing projects for deploying data centers in low Earth orbit.

If the technology proves viable, space data centers could offer an alternative for powering artificial intelligence systems, whose energy demands are growing rapidly.