Ankara: Google has unveiled plans to build artificial intelligence data centers in space, with its first trial equipment set to be sent into orbit in early 2027. The tech giant is exploring the potential of using solar-powered satellites to meet the growing demand for AI processing power.

According to Anadolu Agency, Google outlined its vision in a research report released on Tuesday. The company proposed the idea of "data centers" in space, utilizing many solar-powered satellites connected via optical inter-satellite links. Google scientists and engineers believe that clusters of approximately 80 satellites could orbit 400 miles (644 kilometers) above Earth, equipped with advanced processors.

Project Suncatcher, as the initiative is called, envisions compact constellations of satellites carrying Google TPUs (Tensor Processing Units). These satellites would be interconnected using free-space optical links. Google's research suggests that with the ongoing decline in space launch costs, operating a data center in orbit could be as cost-effective as running one on Earth by the mid-2030s.

The report also highlighted the potential benefits of these space-based data centers in reducing the impact on terrestrial resources, such as land and water. The satellites would harness solar energy, which could generate up to eight times more power than solar panels on Earth. Experts believe that space-based solar power could become a highly efficient way to address AI's energy requirements.

In related developments, Elon Musk, head of the Starlink satellite network and SpaceX rocket program, announced last week that his companies also plan to expand efforts to build data centers in space.