New York Times
• Cade Metz, Kate Conger
Google plans to launch prototype satellites with Planet by early 2027 to test whether orbital infrastructure can support large-scale AI computing. The Project Suncatcher experiments will evaluate TPU performance, radiation exposure, cooling and launch survival—early steps toward potential space-based data centers.
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The U.S. is expanding operational testing of uncrewed combat aircraft, accelerating B-21 Raider flight testing and production, and integrating F-35s into a multinational Indian exercise. The developments underscore parallel efforts to field collaborative combat aircraft while strengthening interoperability with allies and partner forces.
SATS is piloting autonomous cargo vehicles carrying up to 800 kilograms between Changi terminals and freight forwarders’ warehouses, while Singapore Airlines and DHL Express renew an agreement covering five Boeing 777 freighters. SIA will continue providing crews and maintenance for DHL’s Singapore-based intercontinental network.
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Google plans to launch prototype satellites with Planet by early 2027 to test whether orbital infrastructure can support large-scale AI computing. The Project Suncatcher experiments will evaluate TPU performance, radiation exposure, cooling and launch survival—early steps toward potential space-based data centers.
BAE Systems Australia and Skyryse are partnering to advance autonomous flight through software solutions. The collaboration centers on software-defined capabilities, highlighting the partners’ effort to develop more adaptable and potentially scalable approaches to autonomy across aerospace applications.
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Canada’s first F-35A, identified as AR-1, has completed a roughly 90-minute maiden flight from Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth plant. The milestone comes as Ottawa remains obligated to purchase 16 aircraft but has yet to commit to the full planned fleet of 88 fighters.
Stanford engineers are developing a spacecraft guidance approach modeled on “dreaming” to help vehicles rendezvous and dock with the International Space Station. The work addresses the precision of matching velocity and trajectory with a laboratory traveling at roughly 28,000 km/h.
The U.S. Air Force plans to replace the Modular Mission Computer on Block 40, 42, 50 and 52 F-16s with a Next-Generation Mission Computer. The upgrade is part of a broader modernization effort that includes the APG-83 radar and is intended to sustain the fleet into the 2040s.
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Dassault Aviation has signed a memorandum of understanding with AED Cluster Portugal to explore cooperation opportunities tied to the Portuguese Air Force’s future fighter renewal. The agreement strengthens Dassault’s industrial positioning as Portugal considers options to replace its F-16 fleet with Rafale aircraft.
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