Wall Street Journal
• Rebecca Cadenhead
Google has launched a satellite carrying several of the company’s AI chips, beginning an effort to determine whether advanced computing can operate in orbit. The mission will test the performance and practicality of running AI hardware in the space environment.
Commercial Space
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UK launcher Skyrora is moving its anticipated orbital launch timeline to 2030, arguing that being first to market is not necessarily the decisive advantage. The company is defending a deliberate approach to rocket development as it works toward entering the orbital launch market.
Google has launched a satellite carrying several of the company’s AI chips, beginning an effort to determine whether advanced computing can operate in orbit. The mission will test the performance and practicality of running AI hardware in the space environment.
Two companies pursuing space-based solar power systems have secured agreements to advance their development, signaling continued commercial and institutional interest in generating and transmitting energy from orbit. The contracts could help move the concept from long-term vision toward further technical maturation.
Satellite hardware providers Anywaves, CesiumAstro, Dcubed, Orbion and ThrustMe are confronting supply chains that are struggling to keep pace with the current market boom. The capacity crunch raises questions about whether suppliers are confident enough in demand to invest in additional production capability.
High activity
A SpaceX Crew Dragon carrying four astronauts from the United States, Canada and Russia docked with the International Space Station less than eight hours after launching from Florida. The rapid transit marked the fastest journey to the ISS by a U.S. spacecraft, according to the reports.
High activity
Canada Rocket Company plans to develop Canada’s first large-scale rocket engine test facility at London International Airport. The $30 million complex will support static-fire testing of the company’s methalox engines as it works toward a reusable medium-lift launch vehicle.
High activity
The Norwegian government plans to invest almost €60 million to fund construction of a second orbital launch pad at Andøya Spaceport. The proposal would expand the spaceport’s launch infrastructure and strengthen Norway’s role in Europe’s emerging commercial orbital launch market.
Researchers say they have spent eight years probing satellite systems and recently demonstrated that a commercial satellite could be compromised in orbit. The finding is part of a broader body of work aimed at showing the space industry where cybersecurity weaknesses may threaten spacecraft and mission operations.
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