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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. rzerowan · · focus · HN ↗
      Similarly to Starlink , which was hyped as a low codt alternative for marginalised people/areas and sucked in enormous subsidies to that end. While being more or less a proof of concept for a military command and control network , thats the same way this should be looked at.Especially with data centers being vulnerable on ground, coupled with the ability to reposition the space based units to be 'closer to the action' as it were.

      So bottom line a proof of concept for DARPA funds and eventual inegration into the military command and control nodes.

      1. DanielHB · · focus · HN ↗
        I dunno, won't a satellite be _more_ vulnerable in space? There is not anti-missile tech in space.

        I suppose it is about being out of reach of cheap drones?

        1. lanthissa · · focus · HN ↗
          icbms and hypersonics exist, theres no defense against the top end anywhere atm.

          if you're in a war where people are shooting your satellites out of the sky you're past the point where defenses matter. theres no grey war in space like russia hiring people to blow up stuff in europe and very few states could take out multiple satellites in space.

          beyond that if we ever did get to that point, you could develop anti missile tech in space, you effectively have the high ground sitting at the top of the gravity well.

          1. ElevenLathe · · focus · HN ↗
            Oh no! Our PeaceSat went haywire and bumped into your WarSat! Sorry dude, let's swap insurance.
            1. Voultapher · · focus · HN ↗
              Had a good laugh thanks. Indeed area of denial, increased maneuvering etc. can all be used as attacks. Space is big, but stuff moves fast.
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