Copyright indiatimes
ETtechGoogle AI datacentres in space Google AI data centres in space: Google is exploring a bold new frontier for artificial intelligence, planning to send AI data centres into space, with its first trial satellites expected to launch in early 2027. Google Plans AI Datacentres in Space With First Satellites in 2027The initiative, dubbed Project Suncatcher, aims to place tightly packed constellations of around 80 solar-powered satellites about 400 miles above Earth, each carrying powerful processors designed to handle the growing demand for AI, as per a report.Space Datacentres Could Be as Cost-Effective as Earth Facilities by 2030sAccording to Google research released on Tuesday, falling launch costs could make space-based datacentres as cost-effective as those on Earth by the mid-2030s. In addition to scaling computing power, moving datacentres into orbit could reduce the strain on land and water resources used to cool terrestrial facilities.ALSO READ: 300 million at risk: Goldman Sachs lists top jobs that AI can replace, but plumbers and electricians may get richHow Google's Solar-Powered Satellites Will Handle Rising AI DemandOnce in orbit, the satellites would be powered by highly efficient solar panels, up to eight times more productive than panels on Earth, as per The Guardian. Data would be transmitted back to the ground using optical links, which rely on light or laser beams. Live EventsEnvironmental and Astronomy Concerns Of Space-Based AI DatacentresHowever, the plan raises environmental and astronomical concerns. Launching a single rocket emits hundreds of tonnes of CO2, and astronomers have warned that large numbers of satellites in low orbit could interfere with observations, comparing them to “bugs on a windshield,” as per The Guardian report.ALSO READ: Liquidity panic? SOFR-IORB spread hits highest level since 2020 — QE next?$3 Trillion in Datacentres: Why Tech Giants Are Looking to SpaceThe initiative comes as major tech companies are projected to spend $3 trillion on Earth-based datacentres worldwide, from India to Texas and Lincolnshire to Brazil, sparking concerns over carbon emissions unless clean energy sources are used, as per the report.Nvidia and Starcloud Team Up to Launch AI Chips into OrbitPhilip Johnston, co-founder of startup Starcloud, which is partnering with Nvidia to launch AI chips into space later this month, highlighted the potential environmental benefits, saying, “In space, you get almost unlimited, low-cost renewable energy,” adding, “The only cost on the environment will be on the launch, then there will be 10 times carbon dioxide savings over the life of the datacentre compared with powering the datacentre terrestrially," as quoted by The Guardian.ALSO READ: Why US market is down today? Key points investors need to take note as Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq fallPrototype Satellites: Google’s First Step Toward Scalable Space AIGoogle plans to launch two prototype satellites by early 2027, calling the effort a “first milestone towards a scalable space-based AI,” as per the report. However, the tech giant cautioned that, “Significant engineering challenges remain, such as thermal management, high-bandwidth ground communications and on-orbit system reliability," as quoted by The Guardian.ALSO READ: BTC crash alert: Why Bitcoin price dropped to $107,000 and why experts warn it could fall to $88,000FAQsWhat is Google’s Project Suncatcher?Google’s plan to put AI datacentres into space using solar-powered satellites.Will space datacentres become cheaper than Earth-based ones?Yes, falling launch costs could make them comparable by the mid-2030s.Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now! (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) Read More News onGoogle AI data centres in spaceHow Google plans to launch Space AI datacentresCan AI datacentres run in space using solar powerNvidia AI chips in spaceGoogle Project SuncatcherGoogle 2027 AI planGoogle space technology 2027AI datacentre innovationGoogle latest news today (Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates....moreless (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onGoogle AI data centres in spaceHow Google plans to launch Space AI datacentresCan AI datacentres run in space using solar powerNvidia AI chips in spaceGoogle Project SuncatcherGoogle 2027 AI planGoogle space technology 2027AI datacentre innovationGoogle latest news today(Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates....moreless
