AI going intergalactic before we fix the Wi-Fi @home
Google has announced Project Suncatcher, a research idea to run AI chips in space instead of on Earth.
The plan is to send its Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) into orbit on satellites powered by solar panels.
Because satellites get almost constant sunlight, they could generate far more energy than they would on the ground.
The aim is to access cleaner, steady power that could support growing AI needs without adding pressure to electricity grids or increasing emissions.
Google has also shared a preprint paper (not yet peer-reviewed) explaining early progress.
There are major challenges. The satellites would need to send huge amounts of data between each other, at speeds of tens of terabits per second, which would require them to fly very close together.
Quick notes
Space offers near-constant solar energy for AI chips.
Main hurdles: data transfer, satellite safety, and radiation.
First test mission planned for 2027; costs may level out by the 2030s.
TPUs go sky-high
That creates safety concerns, especially with rising levels of space debris.
Google also has to make sure its chips can handle strong radiation in space.
Early tests show its Trillium TPUs could last around five years without permanent damage.
Launching these chips will be expensive.
However, Google believes that by the mid-2030s, the running costs could be similar to those of Earth-based data centres.
Google plans to partner with Planet to launch two prototype satellites in 2027 to test the hardware.
Sounds awesome Google. Now, can I get wi-fi that doesn’t freeze during my meetings? - MV