Google is preparing to launch its first orbital data center test, named MVP, on October 1. The satellite is roughly the size of a refrigerator and contains four custom TPU AI accelerators. These chips are intended for training AI models and running inference tasks. The spacecraft itself was built by Planet Labs, as Google opted to accelerate its testing timeline by utilizing an existing satellite platform.
The mission will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Transporter-18 rideshare. The satellite is equipped with solar panels capable of generating approximately one kilowatt of power. During the test, Google will run Gemini models on the TPUs. Due to cooling limitations, the hardware will operate in 15-minute intervals, requiring shutdowns to allow the radiator system to dissipate heat.
Engineers will use this mission to evaluate how standard ground-based TPU hardware performs under space conditions, including radiation, extreme temperatures, and launch-related g-forces. The cooling system utilizes thermal interface material connected to aluminum and copper heat pipes. This test serves as a precursor to future missions, with dedicated satellite networks planned for 2027.
While the company aims to eventually deploy networks of satellites communicating via high-speed laser connections, the current project is a short-term test expected to last only a few months. Google intends to use the data gathered from this initial flight to refine designs for future hardware. The company notes that transitioning the Suncatcher project into a commercial product will take years.
