Google is planning to deploy artificial intelligence datacentres in space. As part of Project Suncatcher, the first prototype satellites are expected to be launched into orbit by early 2027. The plan envisions around 80 solar-powered satellites, each equipped with high-performance TPUs and connected via optical links. Space-based datacentres could reduce the land, water, and carbon footprint of Earth-based sites while taking advantage of abundant solar energy.
Falling launch costs are making this approach increasingly feasible, though challenges remain, including thermal management, high-bandwidth communication, and on-orbit reliability. The initiative reflects a broader trend of tech companies exploring space for scalable AI infrastructure.