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Google’s Project Suncatcher to put ML infrastructure in space

233 points · 553 comments · xnx

  1. fwlr · · 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. CamperBob2 · · 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).

      So are container ships in international waters. Put them there.

      1. mrheosuper · · focus · HN ↗
        Container ships getting rob by pirates all the times.

        So unless those pirates have their own space program, it's pretty safe up there.

        1. gf000 · · focus · HN ↗
          Container ships on popular routes. But they can be sent out to the middle of nowhere and they would be pretty safe I assume. Also, you may be able to just sink the datacenter's core part and only tether a few solar panels to it (or go nuclear). That way the target is minuscule, you get free cooling and even state-level attacks will have a hard time finding/damaging your data center.
          1. user43928 · · focus · HN ↗
            Wouldn't that come with the vulnerability of data cables?

            They appear to be trivially damaged by ships "accidentally" dragging their anchor.

            1. gf000 · · focus · HN ↗
              They can also use satellite internet, it won't be slower than.. satellite internet.
        2. CamperBob2 · · focus · HN ↗
          [Citation needed]

          Where does this happen, besides the Gulf of Aden off the Somali coast?

          1. mrheosuper · · focus · HN ↗
            Singapore strait
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