On: Google’s Project Suncatcher to put ML infrastructure in space

[zactato]

I think one of the reasons for putting these in space is to move them beyond the borders of any national control.

[GMoromisato → zactato]

You can't launch from the US without the federal government giving you permission. And SpaceX does not have (nor are they planning) any launch pads outside the US. [And because of ITAR, I'm not even sure they'd be allowed to build one.]

However, I do think avoiding local control (state/city permits) is a reason for this.

[m4rtink → GMoromisato]

Rocket Lab has launch pads in New Zealand.

[ChickeNES → GMoromisato]

> (nor are they planning)

Not true

[tumdum_ → zactato]

What does it matter where physically computers are located? If the owners can be imprisoned in US, the will cooperate with US government.

[edot → zactato]

Surely if this were the reason, you'd just put it in international waters?

[echoangle → zactato]

As long as the company has a HQ and owners that care about their quality of life, they don’t really gain any extra safety by moving their hardware to space compared to keeping it where they are based.