Overview
- Google said Tuesday it is in talks with SpaceX and other rocket companies for launch services tied to its Project Suncatcher orbital data center tests.
- The company targets two prototype satellites with Planet Labs by early 2027 to try solar‑powered Tensor chips and laser communications in space.
- Coverage says the discussions remain preliminary and no agreement has been disclosed.
- SpaceX is pitching in‑orbit compute as a major business line before its planned IPO, with Starship touted for lower launch costs and a new deal that gives Anthropic full use of its Colossus 1 data center.
- Engineers point to big obstacles such as radiation‑hard parts, thermal control without water cooling, high‑capacity downlinks, launch economics, and orbital debris rules.