Google to launch AI chip satellite on Falcon 9 on October 1

On October 1, 2026, Google will launch its experimental MVP satellite on a SpaceX Falcon 9 as part of Project Suncatcher, a precursor to orbital AI data centers. The satellite carries four TPUs drawing 1 kW from solar panels and can answer short Gemini prompts for up to 15 minutes before the chips must cool down.

• MVP satellite carries four TPUs with the power of one Earth-based server
• Solar panels supply 1 kW to the chips
• Chips process Gemini queries for up to 15 minutes, then cool down
• The satellite will operate for one year and burn up after six years