Google in Talks With SpaceX for Launches Linked to Orbital Data Centre Project

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Google has held discussions with SpaceX and other players regarding potential launches tied to its orbital data centre initiative, Project Suncatcher, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. 

The project is part of Google’s effort to build space-based computing infrastructure by linking solar-powered satellites equipped with its Tensor Processing Units into an AI-focused cloud network in orbit. 

The company is targeting an initial prototype launch around 2027, working with Planet Labs. The talks highlight growing interest in orbital data centres as companies look for new ways to expand computing capacity for artificial intelligence workloads. 

Both Google and SpaceX are exploring similar ideas, placing them in a competitive as well as potentially collaborative position. A partnership would also mark a shift in relations involving SpaceX founder Elon Musk, who has previously criticized Google’s approach to AI. 

Musk co-founded OpenAI in 2015, partly in response to concerns over AI development at Google, following disagreements with co-founder Larry Page. 

The move comes as companies and investors explore space-based data centres, which are expected to require large capital investments and face technical challenges related to power generation, connectivity and deployment. 

Separately, Anthropic has recently signaled interest in working with SpaceX on similar infrastructure, including potential development of space-based computing systems.