PROJECT SUNCATCHER

NEWS: Google’s Space-Based AI Data Center Plan

ABOUT

• Initiative By Google
• Type Research initiative (Space + AI + Energy)
• Objective: To explore how solar-powered satellites can host data centers in space.
• Key Goal: Build a space-based AI computing infrastructure using Google’s Tensor Processing Units (TPUs)
• Vision Behind the Project: Rising AI computing needs require massive power and cooling — Earthbased data centers consume vast energy.

Key Features of Project Suncatcher

• Solar-Powered Satellite Arrays: Each data center is a solar-powered satellite: These satellites generate energy directly from sunlight for AI operations
• Constellation of Satellites: increases computing capacity and provides redundancy
• The satellites will host AI accelerators, specifically Google’s Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) — chips designed for AI tasks.
• High-Speed Optical Communication: enables tens of terabits per second data transfer — ultra-high speed and low latency
• Two prototype satellites will be launched by early 2027 in partnership with Planet La

How Does It Work

• Solar panels on each satellite generate power.
• AI chips (TPUs) process or store data onboard (like a data center).
• Free-space optical links transmit data between satellites and Earth-based stations.
• The entire satellite constellation functions as a distributed AI cloud network in space

Advantages

• 100% renewable power
• Constant operation (sunlight 24×7)
• No land/water use
• Faster, global connectivity