Thread

Google’s Project Suncatcher to put ML infrastructure in space

233 points · 553 comments · xnx

kin · 1790291957 · focus · HN ↗
For those questioning viability, there's a startup called Starcloud <a href="https://www.starcloud.com/">https://www.starcloud.com/ with a public whitepaper explaining a bit their hardware and economics <a href="https://www.starcloud.com/wp">https://www.starcloud.com/wp. They've already had one small proof of concept launched. Not trying to promote, I just heard about them on the ycomb podcast
1. kleiba2 · 1790324671 · focus · HN ↗
  Note how their cost comparison table mentions "launch" but not a word about how to retrieve systems parts after their end-of-life. "There's so much junk already circling around the planet, what does it matter if we'll leave it there to rot?" can't possibly be the stance they're taking.
  1. MisterMunchkin · 1790326171 · focus · HN ↗
    If it’s in low orbit then it will just burn up. Satellites have to keep thrusting slightly in order to keep their position.
    kleiba2 · 1790338547 · focus · HN ↗
    So I suppose recycling is not a thing in space?
    NetMageSCW · 1790371096 · focus · HN ↗
    Just like it wasn’t a thing in the 1800s on Earth.

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