Thread

Google’s Project Suncatcher to put ML infrastructure in space

233 points · 553 comments · xnx

fwlr · 1790297624 · focus · HN ↗
Yes, the physics are worse, and yes, the economics are worse, but data centers in space have the crucial advantage that they are out of range of the molotov-throwing arm of Joe Public (recently unemployed).
1. hdgvhicv · 1790315619 · focus · HN ↗
  Starlink downlink stations aren’t
  <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/poland-suspects-fire-starlink-station-was-act-sabotage-2026-09-24/" rel="nofollow">https://www.reuters.com/world/poland-suspects-fire-starlink-...
  1. rob74 · 1790318582 · focus · HN ↗
    That was probably more Igor Sleeperagentovich than Joe Public, but yeah...
    cherryteastain · 1790321856 · focus · HN ↗
    It's much easier for Russia to destroy data centers in orbit.
    rob74 · 1790324922 · focus · HN ↗
    Easier maybe, but if they want to keep up some degree of plausible deniability over who did it, it becomes harder.
    Marha01 · 1790341633 · focus · HN ↗
    > It's much easier for Russia to destroy data centers in orbit.
    Nope. Depending on the number of satellites in the constellation, it could be very hard or impossible. Russia has only so many orbital-class interceptors.
    hdgvhicv · 1790342198 · focus · HN ↗
    And after the first few Kessler provides far more
    rob74 · 1790344504 · focus · HN ↗
    Sure, but Kessler is really bad at telling friend from foe...
    NetMageSCW · 1790369966 · focus · HN ↗
    You may want to read up on Kessler syndrome more if you think a few anti satellite hits would start it, or that it would be quick. (Hint: the original paper postulates decades.)

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