• If successful, Google’s ‘Sunhunter’ could usher in a new era where AI computation leaves Earth’s surface — transforming how data is stored, processed, and powered.

In a groundbreaking move that could redefine the future of artificial intelligence infrastructure, Google has announced its ambitious new project, ‘Sunhunter,’ to deploy a constellation of solar-powered satellites equipped with advanced Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) into Earth’s orbit.

According to The Guardian, the company’s vision is to create a space-based data center network that can process and transmit information at unprecedented speeds through optical links connecting the satellites.

Google’s scientists and engineers believe that a constellation of around 80 satellites could soon circle the planet, meeting the world’s rapidly increasing demand for AI-driven technologies.

The research released by Google on Tuesday highlighted that the cost of launching rockets is falling dramatically, and by the mid-2030s, the expense of operating these orbital data centers could rival that of traditional Earth-based facilities.

In addition to performance and cost advantages, Google said its space-based data centers would have a smaller environmental footprint, helping reduce the vast amounts of water used for cooling in conventional terrestrial centers.

The company added that its solar-powered satellites are projected to be eight times more energy-efficient than Earth-based alternatives.

Google plans to launch its first two experimental satellites by early 2027, describing the initiative as “the first step toward scalable, space-based artificial intelligence.”

However, the company acknowledged that the project faces formidable engineering and logistical challenges, including thermal control, ground connectivity, and system reliability.

Astronomers, meanwhile, have voiced concerns that an expanding satellite network could clutter the night sky, comparing it to “a car windshield splattered with insects,” which would hinder astronomical observations.

The announcement comes amid growing interest from other tech giants in space-based computing. Elon Musk recently revealed that Starlink and SpaceX are developing data centers in space, while Nvidia is set to launch its electronic chips into orbit later this month as part of a scientific experiment.

If successful, Google’s ‘Sunhunter’ could usher in a new era where AI computation leaves Earth’s surface — transforming how data is stored, processed, and powered.