Article Oct 21, 2026 Tech giants are putting AI data centers in orbit Google and SpaceX recently launched the first experimental satellite equipped with AI chips, testing whether orbital data centers could solve Earth's energy constraints. The project promises abundant solar power and reduced environmental impact, but faces significant technical hurdles including cooling, radiation, and data transmission. Giulio Prisco 6 min read
News Oct 13, 2026 Google tests orbital AI data centers with first satellite launch Google's Project Suncatcher has launched a test satellite carrying AI chips into orbit, marking a concrete step toward space-based data centers that could bypass Earth's power and land constraints. Giulio Prisco 2 min read
News Sep 25, 2026 Google to launch AI chips into orbit next week aboard SpaceX rocket Google will launch a prototype satellite on October 1 to test its Tensor Processing Units in space as part of Project Suncatcher. The mission will evaluate how AI chips perform under radiation, thermal extremes, and the physical stresses of spaceflight, marking the tech giant's first step toward potential orbital computing infrastructure. Giulio Prisco 2 min read
News Oct 5, 2026 Google completes Project Suncatcher prototype launch for orbital AI compute Google's Project Suncatcher prototype satellite successfully reached orbit aboard a SpaceX mission to evaluate whether machine learning infrastructure can function reliably in space. The mission will test Tensor Processing Units under radiation, thermal extremes, and launch vibration conditions, with future milestones planned for 2027 including satellite laser interconnection tests. Giulio Prisco 2 min read
News Sep 23, 2026 Katalyst wins a contract to assemble a power-beaming spacecraft in orbit A robotic spacecraft will join solar-power tiles in low Earth orbit and send microwave energy to Earth for remote sites and military use. Giulio Prisco 2 min read
News Sep 10, 2026 Deep learning maps methane leaks from orbit A vision model trained on millions of simulated gas trails finds, outlines, and traces methane sources in NASA images from the International Space Station. Giulio Prisco 2 min read
News Feb 3, 2026 SpaceX acquires xAI to build space-based AI computing Elon Musk announces merger to develop orbital data centers using constant solar power and Starship for massive AI scaling and multi-planetary future. Giulio Prisco 2 min read
News May 7, 2026 Aquila AI model advances analysis of earth observation images New artificial intelligence system processes high-resolution satellite and aerial photos with stronger spatial detail and language understanding for real-world monitoring tasks. Giulio Prisco 2 min read
News Oct 31, 2025 Data centers in space for sustainable computing Researchers suggest building data centers in orbit to use endless solar power and natural cooling, reducing costs and emissions for growing computing needs. Giulio Prisco 2 min read
News May 21, 2026 SpaceX Files S-1 for One of History’s Largest IPOs at $2 Trillion Valuation Starlink drives record growth while aggressive AI investments and orbital data center plans signal multi-trillion-dollar ambitions beyond Earth. Giulio Prisco 2 min read