Google X was building Loon at least a decade ago to solve internet connectivity with laser-networked high-altitude balloons. They clearly benefit structurally from expanding access to the internet to the unconnected population.

So on that front, while I didn’t guess this, it does sound like a good investment.

Furthermore, while I am skeptical about the “DC in space” thing in the short term, and Musk’s timelines are, generously, something like P99.9 outcomes, it seems plausible that in 10 years it might make sense. And at that point Google will want to put their TPUs in orbit, too.

Presumably Starlink for routing throughout space. Google does under-sea cables and domestic internet access too.

It's telecom infrastructure to increase the number of people who have internet in order to increase the number of people using Google. They might have been considering having satellite internet in Android phones.

    > Data centers in space?

They had a big early investment back when Google was doing more crazy out of scope things.

Low cost payloads to space can unlock lots.

starlink cellular connection for android in future

Similar of SpaceX and Twitter I guess

Google Cloud, low latency cross-continental links, etc.

One would presume connectivity and services in space as industry and services spread there. Asteroid mining, on orbit manufacturing, space colonies/tourism, data centers in space, centers for working outside traditional government jurisdiction.

Google's return of invested capital has averaged 32% since IPO.

This may be a narrative violation on HN, but the quality of Google's management is exceptional.