Google Sends TPU Chips to Space: First Step Toward Orbital AI Data Centers
Google has launched its first TPU-powered experimental satellite into low Earth orbit aboard a SpaceX rocket, testing whether AI chips can reliably compute in space. The MVP satellite carries four TPUs, runs on 1 kW of solar power in 15-minute cycles, and works alongside Gemini. It is the opening move of Project Suncatcher — Google’s plan for solar-powered orbital data centers, targeting an 80+ satellite constellation and cost parity with ground facilities by the mid-2030s.
