SpaceX to Launch Alphabet AI Chips on Planet Labs Satellites for Project Suncatcher

SpaceX is set to launch Google Tensor Processing Units into orbit aboard Planet Labs satellites on its Transporter-18 mission. The payload serves as the inaugural in-orbit test for Alphabet's Project Suncatcher, which explores solar-powered, space-based AI data centers. The initiative follows Planet Labs CEO Will Marshall's announcement that the company is partnering with SpaceX to send 20 satellites into orbit to conduct edge AI image processing. Alphabet currently holds an equity stake in SpaceX valued at over $82 billion following SpaceX's recent public listing, while SpaceX independently targets deploying orbital supercomputing clusters by 2027.