Relevance: GS-3 (Science & Tech – Emerging Technologies); Source: Indian Express, Google briefings

News

Google announced Project SunCatcher, aiming to launch solar-powered data-centre satellites by 2027, beginning with two prototypes.

What the Project Does

  • Builds satellite constellations with advanced computing chips.
  • Uses laser-based optical links for high-speed communication between satellites.
  • Enables machine-learning computations in space, reducing dependence on terrestrial centres.

Why Move Data Centres to Space?

  • Addresses high electricity and water use of AI data centres.
  • Avoids risks from power cuts, cable disruptions, disasters.
  • Ensures continuous solar energy and potential advantages under Outer Space Treaty for data sovereignty.

Key Challenges

  • Very high installation & repair costs
  • Cybersecurity risks in space
  • Latency concerns for real-time tasks

Significance

Marks the beginning of extraterrestrial digital infrastructure, with implications for sustainability, global tech governance, and space law.

UPSC Value Box 

  • Data Sovereignty: Control over where and how data is stored and processed.
  • Outer Space Treaty (1967): Governs activities in outer space; prevents national appropriation of celestial bodies.

Q. Consider the following statements:

  1. Project SunCatcher aims to perform AI computations using satellites in space.
  2. It is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of terrestrial data centres.
  3. The project violates the principles of the Outer Space Treaty, 1967.

How many statements are correct?
A. One only
B. Two only
C. All three
D. None

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Recent Posts

Start Yours at Ajmal IAS – with Mentorship StrategyDisciplineClarityResults that Drives Success

Your dream deserves this moment — begin it here.