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Wenchang reaches 50 launches as China advances AI satellites despite third failure

China’s Wenchang Space Launch Site marked its 50th launch at the end of July, even as it suffered a third launch failure this week. The setbacks come alongside expanding activity across China’s launch sites, including deployments of AI-enabled and in-space computing satellites and preparations for a lunar south pole mission.

2026-08-12T12:36:29.909064-07:00

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NASA Spaceflight

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Wenchang reaches 50 launches as China advances AI satellites despite third failure

China’s Wenchang Space Launch Site marked its 50th launch at the end of July, even as it suffered a third launch failure this week. The setbacks come alongside expanding activity across China’s launch sites, including deployments of AI-enabled and in-space computing satellites and preparations for a lunar south pole mission.

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Joby Aviation partners with AI company to develop vertiports

Joby Aviation is partnering with an artificial-intelligence company to develop vertiports, linking the eVTOL developer’s aircraft commercialization plans with the digital systems and infrastructure needed to support future air-taxi operations. The announcement highlights vertiport development as a parallel requirement alongside aircraft certification and production.

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Lockheed Martin Demonstrates AI System Using Existing 5G Networks to Track Drones as Pentagon Expands Counter-Drone Priorities

Lockheed Martin and partners including Verizon, NVIDIA, Keysight Technologies, ODC and Astris AI demonstrated NetSense, which uses radio-frequency signals from existing 5G cellular networks and artificial intelligence to detect and track low-altitude unmanned aircraft. Separately, the Pentagon’s counter-drone group is prioritizing defenses for 46 U.S. sites.

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Delta makes AI-powered Concierge available to all SkyMiles members, but initial utility remains limited

Delta Air Lines has made its AI-powered Concierge assistant generally available through the Fly Delta app to all SkyMiles members. The launch expands automated support for disruptions, cancellations, baggage tracking and account information, but the initial functionality falls short of the broader use cases previously presented by the carrier.

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General Atomics and BAE Systems Announce Separate Partnerships on Surveillance and Resilient Autonomy

General Atomics AeroTec Systems is integrating Trakka Systems’ advanced camera package into the upgraded Do228 NXT, while BAE Systems’ FalconWorks and Turkey’s TUALCOM will explore resilient autonomy technologies spanning anti-jam communications, assured navigation and electronic warfare for contested environments and UK-Türkiye markets.

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Reuters

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Ryanair signs five-year Google Cloud deal to deploy Gemini AI ahead of 300 million-passenger target

Ryanair will deploy Google Cloud, Workspace and Gemini Enterprise—including DeepMind models—across its workforce under a five-year partnership designed to support operational growth through 2034. The airline says the agreement will help underpin expansion toward 300 million annual passengers.

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