Google succeeded in running an artificial intelligence (AI) model on a satellite, receiving a response generated from outside Earth. This test marks an experimental advancement of Project Suncatcher, a corporate initiative focused on exploring the feasibility of transporting AI data centers into Earth orbit.
In a statement released on the company's blog, Google detailed that it began using Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) installed on the space equipment. During the tests, the Gemma 4 model was run directly on the satellite and received an instruction to compose a haiku about the experience of being in space.
The AI generated poems addressing Earth viewed from space, data flow, and the brilliance of the stars. Furthermore, other experiments were conducted, such as creating limericks with space themes and responding to telemetry-related commands.
Additionally, Google is working to improve communication between devices operating in orbit. After the initial testing phases, the company plans to achieve a new goal in 2027: deploying two interconnected satellites.
The purpose of this goal is to validate whether the systems are capable of performing tasks consistently and exchanging data in the space environment. Such a demonstration would be crucial in determining the practicality of establishing an orbital computing infrastructure.
Currently, the test conducted with Gemma 4 only confirms that an AI model can process commands aboard a satellite and produce responses. The realization of space data centers still requires the completion of several technical stages and the execution of more experiments.