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A research initiative aims to establish a space-based AI computing infrastructure utilizing Google's Tensor Processing Units (TPUs). This project addresses the escalating demand for AI computing, which requires substantial power and cooling, as Earth-based data centers are energy-intensive.

The initiative will deploy solar-powered satellite arrays, each functioning as an independent data center generating energy from sunlight for AI operations. A constellation of these satellites will enhance computing capacity and ensure redundancy.

High-speed optical communication will facilitate data transfer at tens of terabits per second with low latency. Two prototype satellites are scheduled for launch by early 2027 in collaboration with Planet Labs. Each satellite will harness solar power, process or store data onboard, and use free-space optical links for communication with Earth-based stations, creating a distributed AI cloud network in space.