Google’s ambitious Project Suncatcher proposes launching a constellation of 81 satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO) to create solar-powered AI data centers in space. While the idea promises to revolutionize data processing by harnessing the abundant energy of the sun, it also faces significant challenges from the growing issue of space debris. The congested orbital environment could pose severe risks, potentially derailing the project if not addressed effectively.
The Growing Issue of Space Debris in Low Earth Orbit
In recent years, the rapid expansion of satellite constellations has brought attention to a pressing issue: space debris. As space becomes more crowded, objects like defunct satellites, rocket stages, and even small fragments of paint are accumulating at alarming rates. This debris poses a threat to operational satellites, astronauts, and future missions. Google’s Project Suncatcher, which plans to deploy 81 satellites to power AI data centers, could face severe risks in such an environment. The debris problem is already a significant concern for space agencies, but the situation is worsening as private companies, including SpaceX with its Starlink constellation, continue to add thousands of satellites to orbit.
According to The Conversation, the space environment Google’s satellites would target, the Sun-synchronous orbit, one of the most congested and hazardous regions in low Earth orbit. This orbit is sought after for its constant exposure to sunlight, perfect for solar-powered missions. However, this very appeal makes it a hotspot for both active satellites and debris, increasing the likelihood of collisions. Each collision in space doesn’t just risk the involved spacecraft; it can create thousands of smaller fragments that can continue to threaten the safety of other satellites for years.
What Is Space Debris and Why Does It Matter?
Space debris refers to any man-made objects in orbit that no longer serve a useful purpose. This includes everything from spent rocket stages and broken satellites to smaller, seemingly harmless pieces like flecks of paint. While these fragments might appear insignificant, their speed, about 17,500 miles per hour, makes them incredibly dangerous. A collision with an object the size of a blueberry could cause catastrophic damage to a satellite. This is a reality that Google’s Project Suncatcher must contend with if it is to succeed.
Even tiny pieces of space debris can have catastrophic effects. This image shows the result of a lab-test impact between a block of aluminum and a small aluminum sphere traveling at 4.2 miles (6.8 kilometers) per second. European Space Agency
The risk posed by space debris is not just theoretical. In November 2025, three astronauts aboard China’s Tiangong space station had to delay their return to Earth after a piece of space debris struck their capsule. Similarly, incidents like these have led to significant safety concerns for astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS), making it clear that space debris is not just an inconvenience but a growing threat.
How Google’s Project Suncatcher Could Contribute to the Space Debris Problem
Google’s Project Suncatcher aims to launch 81 satellites into low Earth orbit to create a solar-powered AI data center. These satellites would be arranged in a dense formation, separated by only a few hundred meters. While this formation would help the satellites share computing power for AI tasks, it also makes the entire constellation vulnerable to debris. Even the smallest impact could potentially lead to a chain reaction, where one satellite’s destruction could send debris flying into others, causing a catastrophic cascade of collisions.
The satellites would be spaced so closely together that the slightest mistake could result in significant damage to the entire cluster. Given that low Earth orbit is already a minefield of debris, Google’s satellites could quickly find themselves in danger. Without active avoidance systems and real-time debris tracking, the entire mission could be jeopardized.
The Challenge of Collision Avoidance in Space
One of the most daunting challenges for satellite constellations like Project Suncatcher is avoiding collisions. While large pieces of debris are tracked by organizations like the U.S. Space Force, smaller objects that are just as dangerous remain largely undetected. The current tracking systems focus primarily on objects larger than a softball, leaving millions of smaller fragments invisible to satellite operators. In the context of Suncatcher, where satellites will be spaced so closely together, any debris, even smaller than a grain of sand, could cause significant damage.
To address this, Google would need to equip its satellites with advanced collision avoidance systems capable of detecting and responding to debris in real-time. As detailed by The Conversation, SpaceX’s Starlink satellites have already performed hundreds of thousands of maneuvers to avoid collisions. For Suncatcher to succeed, it would need to adopt similar systems, and perhaps even more advanced technologies that allow for real-time, autonomous decision-making to prevent catastrophic damage.
Potential Solutions for Mitigating Space Debris Risks
While collision avoidance technologies are essential, they are not enough on their own to solve the growing debris problem. As satellite networks continue to proliferate, the amount of debris in space will likely increase, making it even more challenging to ensure safe operations. One potential solution is the active removal of debris, which involves capturing and de-orbiting dangerous fragments. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has already mandated that satellite operators must de-orbit their spacecraft within five years of mission completion, but this rule does not address the larger issue of existing debris.
Some experts argue that a “use-tax” or orbital-use fee could help finance active debris removal programs. This would charge satellite operators based on the amount of space their constellations occupy, incentivizing them to design more sustainable satellites that can be safely removed from orbit at the end of their operational lives.