Google and orbital data centers
| Project | Lead | Hardware | Timeline | Status | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project Suncatcher: first TPU prototype satellite | 4 Google Trillium-generation TPUs | 1 Oct 2026, 18:32 UTC (Transporter-18) | in orbit | [1] [2] [3] [4] | |
| Project Suncatcher: two prototype satellites with cross-links | Google TPUs (per satellite count not stated) | early 2027 (target) | planned | [1] [2] |
Project Suncatcher: first TPU prototype satellite
Google's first TPUs in orbit, on a prototype satellite developed with Planet. Launched 1 Oct 2026; Google says it has confirmed contact and the satellite is operating as expected. It will gather data on how the chips handle launch stress, radiation and thermal extremes in low Earth orbit. [1] [2] [3] [4]
Project Suncatcher: two prototype satellites with cross-links
Planet builds and operates two prototype satellites for Google to test TPUs working together over high-bandwidth inter-satellite links. [1] [2]
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