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.
“Father of Google TPU” Amir Salek Joins Anthropic as the AI War Moves From Models to Silicon
Anthropic has poached Amir Salek, the engineer widely known as the “Father of Google TPU”, to help lead its newly established Custom Silicon division under Head of Compute James Bradbury. Combined with OpenAI chip-program veteran Clive Chan, a $250 million commitment to UK startup Fractile, and infrastructure deals with repurposed crypto-mining sites, Anthropic is building a compute fortress to fight its estimated $19 billion 2026 compute bill. The AI war has officially moved from models to silicon.







