I am sure that power supply, grid connections, and data center construction will be among AI’s biggest bottlenecks in the coming years.
Google’s Project Suncatcher explores an interesting possibility: moving AI compute into orbit, with TPU-equipped satellites connected by lasers.
Google says solar panels in the right orbit could be up to 8x more productive than on Earth, thanks to near-continuous sunlight.
It sounds crazy, but the potential is enormous: Scaling compute without waiting for terrestrial grid connections would be a major advantage. Cooling, launch costs, and reliable connections between satellites still need to be solved.
The first step is a prototype developed with Planet, scheduled to launch aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-18 mission.
SpaceX could end up being one of the biggest winners here. Making orbital compute economical would require affordable, frequent launches. That could turn the AI infrastructure boom into a major new source of demand for SpaceX.
Can our TPUs survive and operate in space? Well, we're going to find out.
Project Suncatcher is hitching a ride aboard @SpaceX's Transporter-18 mission, testing a prototype satellite built in partnership with @planet
One small step for TPUs....