Google is exploring a bold idea called Project Suncatcher, which would move some of its AI computing to space using clusters of solar-powered satellites. Up in orbit, solar panels get nearly constant sunlight, so the company hopes to generate far more energy than ground based data centers and ease the strain on Earth’s power grids. The plan still has big hurdles, like sending huge amounts of data between satellites, keeping them flying in tight groups, and making sure the computer chips can survive radiation. Early tests suggest Google’s chips can handle the environment for years. A small two satellite test with Planet is planned for 2027, and if launch costs keep dropping, Google thinks this could become cost competitive by the mid 2030s.
