CloudTech is part of the TechForge Publications seriesView AllAI NewsDeveloperIoT NewsMarketing TechTechHQTech Wire AsiaTelecomsView AllAI NewsDeveloperIoT NewsMarketing TechTechHQTech Wire AsiaTelecomsTechForge SearchNewsCategoriesCloud in ActionCloud MigrationCloud ROI & CostInternal Change ManagementMissteps & LessonsSME & Startup CloudEditorial DeskAnnouncements & AnalysisForecasts & TrendsMigrations: Behind the ScenesTechEx EventsFeaturesInterviewsPodcastsSponsored ContentVideosWebinarsFuture of CloudAI & CloudCloud EthicsEdge & Distributed CloudOpen CloudQuantum & CloudServerless ArchitectureSustainable CloudIndustry PerspectivesEducation & ResearchFinanceHealthcare & Life SciencesLegal & HRMedia, Gaming & CreativePublic SectorRetail & ConsumerMarket IntelligenceCloud StartupsEarnings & Market ShareEvent CoverageMergers & AcquisitionsVendor Roadmaps & LeadershipSecurity, Privacy & TrustCloud CybersecurityCyber Security & Cloud ExpoEncryption & Data PrivacyGovernance, Risk & ComplianceIdentity & AccessStrategy & Decision-MakingChoosing a Cloud StrategyFinOps & BudgetsLock-In & ExitMulti- & Hybrid CloudProcurement & ContractsSkills & HiringTechnology StackBig VendorsContainers & KubernetesDatabases & Data PlatformsInfrastructure as CodeObservability & MonitoringXaaS ModelsEventsResourcesExclusive VideosPodcastsAll ResourcesMoreAdvertiseAbout UsContact Us SearchNewsCategoriesCloud in ActionCloud MigrationCloud ROI & CostInternal Change ManagementMissteps & LessonsSME & Startup CloudEditorial DeskAnnouncements & AnalysisForecasts & TrendsMigrations: Behind the ScenesTechEx EventsFeaturesInterviewsPodcastsSponsored ContentVideosWebinarsFuture of CloudAI & CloudCloud EthicsEdge & Distributed CloudOpen CloudQuantum & CloudServerless ArchitectureSustainable CloudIndustry PerspectivesEducation & ResearchFinanceHealthcare & Life SciencesLegal & HRMedia, Gaming & CreativePublic SectorRetail & ConsumerMarket IntelligenceCloud StartupsEarnings & Market ShareEvent CoverageMergers & AcquisitionsVendor Roadmaps & LeadershipSecurity, Privacy & TrustCloud CybersecurityCyber Security & Cloud ExpoEncryption & Data PrivacyGovernance, Risk & ComplianceIdentity & AccessStrategy & Decision-MakingChoosing a Cloud StrategyFinOps & BudgetsLock-In & ExitMulti- & Hybrid CloudProcurement & ContractsSkills & HiringTechnology StackBig VendorsContainers & KubernetesDatabases & Data PlatformsInfrastructure as CodeObservability & MonitoringXaaS ModelsEventsResourcesExclusive VideosPodcastsAll ResourcesMoreAdvertiseAbout UsContact Us Subscribe Subscribe SearchNewsCategoriesCloud in ActionCloud MigrationCloud ROI & CostInternal Change ManagementMissteps & LessonsSME & Startup CloudEditorial DeskAnnouncements & AnalysisForecasts & TrendsMigrations: Behind the ScenesTechEx EventsFeaturesInterviewsPodcastsSponsored ContentVideosWebinarsFuture of CloudAI & CloudCloud EthicsEdge & Distributed CloudOpen CloudQuantum & CloudServerless ArchitectureSustainable CloudIndustry PerspectivesEducation & ResearchFinanceHealthcare & Life SciencesLegal & HRMedia, Gaming & CreativePublic SectorRetail & ConsumerMarket IntelligenceCloud StartupsEarnings & Market ShareEvent CoverageMergers & AcquisitionsVendor Roadmaps & LeadershipSecurity, Privacy & TrustCloud CybersecurityCyber Security & Cloud ExpoEncryption & Data PrivacyGovernance, Risk & ComplianceIdentity & AccessStrategy & Decision-MakingChoosing a Cloud StrategyFinOps & BudgetsLock-In & ExitMulti- & Hybrid CloudProcurement & ContractsSkills & HiringTechnology StackBig VendorsContainers & KubernetesDatabases & Data PlatformsInfrastructure as CodeObservability & MonitoringXaaS ModelsEventsResourcesExclusive VideosPodcastsAll ResourcesMoreAdvertiseAbout UsContact Us Hamburger Toggle Menu AI & Cloud, Cloud Computing, Cloud ROI & Cost, Edge & Distributed Cloud, Future of Cloud, Sustainable CloudGoogle and SpaceX discuss orbital AI data centresMuhammad Zulhusni15th May 2026 Share this story: Tags:AIclouddata centreGooglespacexCategories::AI & CloudCloud ComputingCloud ROI & CostEdge & Distributed CloudFuture of CloudSustainable CloudGoogle is discussing future launch options with SpaceX and other companies for Project Suncatcher, a research effort into orbital AI data centres.The project is designed to test whether AI computing infrastructure can operate in orbit.The project centres on a network of solar-powered satellites carrying Google’s Tensor Processing Units, or TPUs.The satellites would use free-space optical links to move data between each other.Google plans to launch an initial learning mission with Planet Labs in early 2027.
According to Google’s research post, the mission is expected to involve two prototype satellites that will test its hardware and design in orbit.reported that Google confirmed the launch discussions on Tuesday, after first reported the development.Google’s Project Suncatcher research also discusses power availability in orbit.In its research, it said satellites in certain orbits can access solar energy more consistently than ground-based systems.
These satellites would also avoid the day-night cycle and weather conditions that affect solar generation on Earth.Google’s research also compares launch costs with terrestrial data centre energy costs., citing Google’s research, reported that US data centre power costs are estimated at about US$570 to US$3,000 per kW per year.Google’s paper said launch costs to low Earth orbit would need to fall to about US$200 per kg.At that level, the launch cost spread in a spacecraft’s operating life could become roughly comparable with terrestrial data centre energy costs on a per-kW basis.
The comparison depends on launch costs falling to that level, and is exclusive of any costs of operating a data centre in orbit.Google’s research identifies several technical areas that need further work.It proposes optical communication between satellites and constellation coordination.It also points to issues around radiation durability (electronic components exposed to the radiation of space), thermal design (how to cool equipment in a vacuum), and deployment economics (the cost of getting payloads into orbit).SpaceX’s AI infrastructure linksThe launch discussions involve SpaceX as a possible launch provider for Project Suncatcher.
SpaceX has experience launching large satellite constellations through Starlink and operates reusable rockets that are central to its launch business.SpaceX has also been tied to another AI infrastructure agreement.reported that Anthropic agreed last week to use the full computing power of SpaceX’s Colossus 1 facility in Memphis.Anthropic also expressed interest in working with SpaceX on multiple gigawatts of space-based orbital data centres, although no plans have been published nor funds committed.Google’s planned prototype with Planet Labs is the next stated step for Project Suncatcher.
Planet Labs already operates Earth-imaging satellites and is Google’s partner for the first test phase.See also: SpaceX, data centres in space, and commercial viabilityWant to learn more about Cloud Computing from industry leaders? Check out Cyber Security & Cloud Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London.The comprehensive event is part of TechEx and is co-located with other leading technology events, click here for more information.Cloud Computing News is powered by TechForge Media.Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars here.About the Author Muhammad ZulhusniJournalist As a tech journalist, Zul focuses on topics including cloud computing, cybersecurity, and disruptive technology in the enterprise industry.
He has expertise in moderating webinars and presenting content on video, in addition to having a background in networking technology.Related AWS expands Anthropic partnership with Claude Platform launch12th May 2026 OpenTelemetry becomes the cloud’s common language12th May 2026 Microsoft’s clean energy target under pressure from AI data centres7th May 2026 Linux Copy Fail vulnerability puts cloud systems at risk5th May 2026 AWS expands Anthropic partnership with Claude Platform launch12th May 2026 OpenTelemetry becomes the cloud’s common language12th May 2026 Microsoft’s clean energy target under pressure from AI data centres7th May 2026 Linux Copy Fail vulnerability puts cloud systems at risk5th May 2026 Join our CommunitySubscribe now to get all our premium content and latest tech news delivered straight to your inbox Click here Popular Cloud ROI & Cost, Interviews, Sponsored Content, Sustainable CloudRipple effect: Xylem’s sustainable water solutions for Europe’s data centres 20486 view(s)Cloud Computing, XaaS ModelsConcern over cloud storage security remains says Spiceworks – but good news for OneDrive 12618 view(s)Big Vendors, Cloud Computing, Cloud Cybersecurity, Market Intelligence, Security, Privacy & Trust10 real-life cloud security failures and what we can learn from them 6304 view(s)Big Vendors, Cloud Computing, Market Intelligence5 of the best: cloud technology training platforms 6150 view(s)Cloud ROI & Cost, Interviews, Sponsored Content, Sustainable CloudRipple effect: Xylem’s sustainable water solutions for Europe’s data centres 20486 view(s)Cloud Computing, XaaS ModelsConcern over cloud storage security remains says Spiceworks – but good news for OneDrive 12618 view(s)Big Vendors, Cloud Computing, Cloud Cybersecurity, Market Intelligence, Security, Privacy & Trust10 real-life cloud security failures and what we can learn from them 6304 view(s)Big Vendors, Cloud Computing, Market Intelligence5 of the best: cloud technology training platforms 6150 view(s) See all Latest View All Latest AI & Cloud7th May 2026Microsoft’s clean energy target under pressure from AI data centres Cloud Cybersecurity5th May 2026Linux Copy Fail vulnerability puts cloud systems at risk Sponsored Content30th April 2026Modern transfer protocols evolving to protect cloud data AI & Cloud7th May 2026Microsoft’s clean energy target under pressure from AI data centres Cloud Cybersecurity5th May 2026Linux Copy Fail vulnerability puts cloud systems at risk Sponsored Content30th April 2026Modern transfer protocols evolving to protect cloud data SubscribeAll our premium content and latest tech news delivered straight to your inbox Subscribe ExploreAbout UsContact UsNewsletterPrivacy PolicyCookie PolicyAbout UsContact UsNewsletterPrivacy PolicyCookie PolicyReach Our AudienceAdvertisePost a Press ReleaseContact UsAdvertisePost a Press ReleaseContact UsCategoriesCloud in ActionEditorial DeskFeaturesFuture of CloudIndustry PerspectivesMarket IntelligenceSecurity, Privacy & TrustTechnology StackStrategy & Decision-MakingAll CategoriesCloud in ActionEditorial DeskFeaturesFuture of CloudIndustry PerspectivesMarket IntelligenceSecurity, Privacy & TrustTechnology StackStrategy & Decision-MakingAll CategoriesOther PublicationsExplore AllAI NewsDeveloperIoT NewsMarketing TechTechHQTech Wire AsiaTelecomsExplore AllAI NewsDeveloperIoT NewsMarketing TechTechHQTech Wire AsiaTelecomsCloudTech News is part of TechForge SubscribeAll our premium content and latest tech news delivered straight to your inbox
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