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• Hanneke Weitering
Merlin has reached a certification milestone for software designed to communicate with air traffic control, advancing the role of AI in cockpit operations. The development marks progress toward integrating automated systems into regulated flight environments, where safety assurance and human-machine coordination remain central challenges.
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Russia intends to use the two-seat Su-57D as a testbed for technologies envisioned for a future sixth-generation combat aircraft, Sukhoi Design Bureau director Mikhail Strelets said. The program is expected to support development of combat artificial intelligence and more complex flight-control systems.
Merlin has reached a certification milestone for software designed to communicate with air traffic control, advancing the role of AI in cockpit operations. The development marks progress toward integrating automated systems into regulated flight environments, where safety assurance and human-machine coordination remain central challenges.
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SpaceX has completed its reported $60 billion acquisition of AI coding startup Cursor, while Alphabet’s initial $900 million investment in the rocket company is now worth approximately $94 billion following SpaceX’s $86 billion June IPO. Alphabet is now SpaceX’s largest institutional shareholder.
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A regulatory filing shows Elon Musk held a 48.4% stake in SpaceX as of June 30, valued at more than $900 billion at current market prices. The disclosure follows SpaceX’s record $85.7 billion IPO and highlights Musk’s dominant control as the company expands across rockets, AI and space-based computing.
Joby Aviation plans to acquire Resonant Sciences for $500 million, establishing the company as Joby’s dedicated defense business. Resonant will house Joby’s hybrid-electric and autonomous projects, creating a formal separation between its commercial and defense-oriented VTOL activities.
Virgin Atlantic CEO Corneel Koster discusses the airline’s approach to artificial intelligence, loyalty and personalization, while arguing that people and customer experience remain central to its competitive differentiation. The interview highlights how carriers are balancing technology-led efficiency with the human element of premium travel.
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SpaceX’s shares rebounded toward $150 after surviving the Aug. 6 expiration of its first post-IPO lockup, helping drive a reported $500 billion rally. The company is also moving toward closing its proposed $60 billion all-stock acquisition of Anysphere, developer of the AI coding platform Cursor.
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