Google to launch experimental satellite next week to test AI data centers in space
bratton · x · 2026-09-29
Per the New York Times, Google next Thursday will launch a refrigerator-size experimental satellite (Project Suncatcher) carrying enough compute to answer simple AI queries from orbit, a first step toward space-based data centers. Built with Planet Labs' involvement, the satellite passed vibration tests mimicking launch — solar panels will unfurl toward the sun and each screw was painted with a line to detect loosening. Benjamin Bratton notes the idea came from Blaise Agüera y Arcas years ago and has been realized by the Suncatcher team at Pi. Space offers abundant solar power and thermal radiative cooling as a long-term answer to terrestrial power and heat constraints.
Related event: Google to Launch Satellite Testing AI Data Centers in Space(2 posts)→
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