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

[echoangle]

The argument is that launching and operating those satellites is more expensive than just using the same silicon on the ground.

[GMoromisato → echoangle]

How sure are you of that? How much does each satellite cost? How much will silicon on the ground cost in 2030?

How can anyone be certain of any of those numbers without (a) knowing how the technology will evolve, and (b) doing the math?

I'm just astounded that people can have such confidence.

[cyberax → GMoromisato]

We know such thing as physics and economics. That dictate the fundamental limits.

They are showing that space-based DCs only make sense for criminal enterprises. Which probably IS what's going on here.

[NetMageSCW → cyberax]

While I really don’t trust Google, I’m not sure I call them a criminal enterprise.

[scottyah → echoangle]

I don't think that is the argument, or if so it's an odd one because it's just a fact right now. Instead, people are claiming that it will never be feasible from a purely physics standpoint, which is something debatable.

[echoangle → scottyah]

Saying it’s impossible isn’t debatable because it obviously is. What would stop you from a physics standpoint to just launch 100 ISS with Server racks in each? A few kW of installed power in space is already reality, it’s just really expensive.