Google has sent one of its Tensor Processing Units into space for the first time. The prototype satellite, built by Planet Labs, launched from California aboard a SpaceX rocket.

The mission, called Project Suncatcher, will test whether Google’s AI chips can reliably run workloads in orbit. The satellite is designed to provide about one kilowatt of continuous power while cooling the TPU and running AI models.

Once commissioning is complete, the TPU will run in 15-minute intervals to reduce pressure on the spacecraft’s power and thermal systems. Google says the mission tests conditions that cannot be fully recreated on the ground.

Google plans a more advanced demonstration next year involving two satellites built for AI workloads. They will communicate through a laser link, testing the distributed computing architecture Google wants to develop.

The company eventually envisions orbital data centers made of 81 satellites flying in close formation. Google executive Travis Beals said high bandwidth and low latency between chips will be key.