(MENAFN) Google has revealed ambitious plans to launch artificial intelligence data centers into orbit, aiming to deploy its first experimental hardware in early 2027.

“Instead of transmitting power to Earth from space, we propose a future that includes spacebased ML “data centers” consisting of many solarpowered satellites networked via free-space optical inter-satellite links,” the company said in a research report on Tuesday.

According to Google engineers, clusters of roughly 80 solar-powered satellites could hover approximately 400 miles (644 kilometers) above Earth. Each satellite would carry advanced processors designed to handle the surging demand for AI computations.

“Our new research moonshot, Project Suncatcher, envisions compact constellations of solar-powered satellites, carrying Google TPUs and connected by free-space optical links,” the company said.

The tech giant projects that declining space launch costs could make operating orbital data centers by the mid-2030s roughly as affordable as maintaining terrestrial facilities.

The report also noted potential environmental benefits. Space-based data centers could reduce the strain on Earth’s land and water resources while drawing solar energy far more efficiently. Panels on orbiting satellites could generate up to eight times the energy of those on the ground, according to the research.

Experts suggest that harnessing solar power in space could become the most effective method to fuel AI infrastructure in the future.

Meanwhile, Elon Musk, head of the Starlink satellite network and SpaceX rocket program, confirmed last week that his companies are moving forward with plans to build data centers in orbit.

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