Google Sends TPU Into Orbit for Project Suncatcher Test

Oct 2, 2026
Google launched a prototype satellite carrying one of its Tensor Processing Units, marking the first time the company has sent an advanced chip into space.
Google Sends TPU Into Orbit for Project Suncatcher Test

Google launched a prototype satellite carrying one of its Tensor Processing Units aboard a SpaceX rocket from California on October 1, TechCrunch reports. It is the first time Google has sent one of its advanced chips into space.

The satellite, built by Planet Labs, will test whether the TPU can operate under orbital power, cooling and radiation conditions. Once commissioned, it will run models in 15 minute bursts to limit pressure on the satellite's power and thermal systems.

Google and Planet Labs plan to launch two satellites designed for more substantial computing workloads in 2027. The satellites will attempt to work together through a laser communications link, supporting Google's Project Suncatcher research into orbital computing clusters.

Google's research estimates that reducing launch costs to about $200 per kilogram by 2035 would require Starship to carry 370,000 tons into orbit. At 200 metric tons per mission, that would require about 1,800 launches over 10 years, or 180 launches annually.

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