Google to test AI chip in space

Google is preparing to launch and test its AI chip in space to understand how to scale AI hardware in orbit as part of Project Suncatcher.

The company said it was getting ready for an early test launch and working toward its next milestone in 2027.

Project Suncatcher, which was announced last year, will enable Google’s experts to test hardware survival, cooling processes, and satellite interconnectivity for machine learning infrastructure in space.

While low-Earth orbit allows access to near-constant sunlight and solar power, solar events and cosmic rays are risk factors.

The mission is slated to take place onboard the upcoming Transporter-18 rideshare mission with SpaceX, that was developed in partnership with Planet.

“Exploring space as a viable location for scalable AI compute won’t happen all at once. It takes methodical engineering, starting with proving our hardware can handle the physical and unpredictable realities of operating in orbit. This first launch is about seeing what works, identifying points of failure, and applying those findings to future missions,” said Google in a blog post.