Google’s Suncatcher Satellite Runs Its First AI Workload
AI · First reported 30 Oct, 17:00 · Updated 17:31
Google reports that its experimental Suncatcher satellite has run an AI model in orbit and sent a response to Earth. The next tests will assess the chips in space conditions; Google’s stated next milestone is two linked satellites in 2027, if testing succeeds.
- The satellite ran Google’s Gemma 4 model to answer a space-themed prompt and transmitted the response to Earth.
- The prototype carries four TPUs but can operate only one at a time; Google’s next tests will examine heat and radiation effects.
- If the tests go well, Google plans to launch two interconnected satellites in 2027.
Summary written by Lux AI from 2 articles
Key facts
- Onboard model
- Google DeepMind’s Gemma 4.
- Prototype chips
- Four TPUs onboard; one can operate at a time.
- Next tests
- Assess chip performance under heat and radiation in space.
- Stated next milestone
- Two interconnected satellites planned for 2027 if testing succeeds.
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