Google joins race to build AI data centres in space

Google is preparing to launch an experimental satellite carrying artificial intelligence chips as part of its ambitious plan to eventually build AI data centres in space.

According to The New York Times, the satellite, named MVP, is scheduled to launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on October 1.

The mission forms part of Google’s Project Suncatcher, which aims to harness solar energy for space-based computing.

MVP carries four tensor processing units, providing computing power comparable to one data-centre server, and will test whether AI hardware can withstand radiation and extreme conditions in orbit.

Google plans two additional satellite launches next year and is exploring fleets of more than 80 interconnected satellites capable of processing AI queries in space.