Google satellite generates first AI response in orbit

AI · First reported 2 Nov, 07:13 · Updated 07:43

Image: Wikimedia Commons · NASA Johnson Space Center · Public domain

Google says its Project Suncatcher prototype used an onboard TPU to generate a response from its Gemma 4 model and transmit it to Earth. The company plans to test the hardware under orbital heat and radiation conditions, with a two-satellite test planned for 2027.

Google said its Project Suncatcher prototype generated its first AI response in orbit using an onboard data-centre-class TPU and Gemma 4 model.
The satellite launched on October 1; Google says it will next assess how heat and radiation affect the hardware.
Google plans to test two interconnected satellites in 2027 as it explores computing infrastructure in orbit.

Summary written by Lux AI from 2 articles

Key facts

Launch date: October 1
AI model: Gemma 4
Orbit response route: The response was transmitted to Earth as the satellite passed Svalbard, Norway.
Next planned milestone: Two interconnected satellites in 2027
Upcoming tests: TPU performance under thermal stress and radiation exposure