Google explores space-based data centres with Project SuncatcherProject Suncatcher
Google Research has described Project Suncatcher, a concept for a network of satellites that could host data centres in low Earth orbit. The idea, reported in coverage from France 24 English on May 17, would use near-continuous sunlight in a dawn-dusk orbit to help power the system, and it matters because it points to a possible new direction for large-scale computing infrastructure.
- Sun-synchronous orbits are also popular for Earth-observation satellites because they pass over locations at the same local time.
- Data centers are among the world’s biggest electricity users, which is why power efficiency is a major technology race.
- SpaceX has helped make reusable rockets a key part of lowering launch costs for satellite-heavy projects.
