Alphabet's Google to Launch Satellite to Test AI Hardware in Space

10:34 AM EDT, 09/24/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Alphabet's (GOOG, GOOGL) Google said Thursday it will launch a prototype satellite to assess how its AI chips perform in space, as part of the first in-orbit test of Project Suncatcher. Project Suncatcher, which the company announced last year, is a long-term research initiative exploring whether space can host AI infrastructure, Google said. The mission onboard SpaceX's (SPCX) upcoming Transporter-18 rideshare mission was developed in partnership with Planet (PL), Google said. Price: 335.64, Change: +0.65, Percent Change: +0.20