Google's first Project Suncatcher satellite reaches orbit, carrying its own AI chips for their first test in space

Google said on 1 October that the first prototype satellite for Project Suncatcher is in orbit. Suncatcher is Google's research effort into whether machine-learning computing could one day run on solar-powered satellites instead of in data centres on the ground. The satellite was built in partnership with Planet and launched aboard SpaceX's Transporter-18 rideshare mission.

Travis Beals, Senior Director, Paradigms of Intelligence at Google, wrote: “Our team has confirmed contact with the satellite and it is operating as expected.” Over the coming weeks, Google says, it will gather in-orbit data on how its TPUs, the AI chips it designs itself, handle the physical stress of spaceflight and the radiation and thermal extremes of space.

Planet's own release, issued the same day, says the payload will run “the first-ever test of Google's Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) in space.” The rideshare launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California and carried 20 Planet satellites in all, including its Tanager-2 and 18 SuperDoves. Planet calls it its 40th successful launch, and says it has made initial contact with Tanager-2, the Suncatcher prototype and two SuperDoves and begun commissioning.

Press reports give hardware details such as the number of chips and the solar power on board. Neither Google's post nor Planet's release states them, so they are not repeated here. Google's post does not call this the first TPU test in space; that wording is Planet's. The storyline was counted in 108 outlets in the week to 1 October.

• Confirmed The Project Suncatcher prototype, built in partnership with Planet, launched aboard SpaceX's Transporter-18 rideshare, and Google's team has confirmed contact. Google
• Claimed Over the coming weeks Google will gather in-orbit data on how its TPUs handle the stress of spaceflight and the radiation and thermal extremes of space. Google
• Confirmed Planet launched 20 satellites from Vandenberg, including the first demo mission for Google's Project Suncatcher, its 40th successful launch, and has begun commissioning. Planet Labs (Business Wire)