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AeroTime • Stephen Pope

Google in talks with SpaceX to launch “Project Suncatcher” tests for space-based AI data centers

Reports say Google and SpaceX are in discussions to launch orbital AI data centers, advancing “Project Suncatcher” as a route to space-hosted compute. The effort would position SpaceX as a preferred launch partner for on-orbit testing that could reshape AI infrastructure requirements and architectures.

2026-05-13T13:57:47.751602-07:00

Business Wire

SpinLaunch and Aalyria to develop network-orchestration infrastructure for SpinLaunch’s Meridian LEO satcom constellation

2026-05-13T06:47:28.104093-07:00

Via Satellite

Logos Space moves toward enterprise and government-secure LEO network design after FCC clearance, selecting a satellite bus manu

2026-05-13T13:36:31.093076-07:00

SpaceNews.com

Northrop Grumman unveils LR-450 compact navigation system for satellite-degraded missions

2026-05-13T07:26:11.975612-07:00

News Timeline

AeroTime

Google in talks with SpaceX to launch “Project Suncatcher” tests for space-based AI data centers Reports say Google and SpaceX are in discussions to launch orbital AI data centers, advancing “Project Suncatcher” as a route to space-hosted compute. The effort would position SpaceX as a preferred launch partner for on-orbit testing that could reshape AI infrastructure requirements and architectures.

2026-05-13T13:57:47.751602-07:00

Google in talks with SpaceX to launch “Project Suncatcher” tests for space-based AI data centers

Via Satellite

Logos Space moves toward enterprise and government-secure LEO network design after FCC clearance, selecting a satellite bus manu Logos Space, a new entrant in LEO constellations, says it has secured FCC approval this spring and is now progressing to choose a bus manufacturer later this summer. The company is positioning its architecture around private, secure networks for enterprises and governments rather than mass-market connectivity.

2026-05-13T13:36:31.093076-07:00

Logos Space moves toward enterprise and government-secure LEO network design after FCC clearance, selecting a satellite bus manu

SpaceNews.com

❗️

Northrop Grumman unveils LR-450 compact navigation system for satellite-degraded missions Northrop Grumman is introducing the LR-450, a compact, lightweight inertial positioning and navigation system for mid-size spacecraft. Built to maintain continuous, precise tracking and orientation when external satellite signals are unavailable, the system adapts technologies developed for the James Webb Space Telescope.

2026-05-13T07:26:11.975612-07:00

Northrop Grumman unveils LR-450 compact navigation system for satellite-degraded missions

Business Wire

SpinLaunch and Aalyria to develop network-orchestration infrastructure for SpinLaunch’s Meridian LEO satcom constellation SpinLaunch says it has partnered with Aalyria Technologies to design and develop key infrastructure for SpinLaunch’s low-cost Meridian low-Earth-orbit (LEO) communications constellation. The collaboration focuses on Aalyria’s advanced network orchestration software to support the constellation’s connectivity and operations.

2026-05-13T06:47:28.104093-07:00

SpinLaunch and Aalyria to develop network-orchestration infrastructure for SpinLaunch’s Meridian LEO satcom constellation

Space Intel Report

Eutelsat reports Q1 revenue jump as OneWeb-backed LEO growth offsets weaker US government demand; OneWeb revenue up 65% Eutelsat says revenue for the three months ended March 31 rose 11.8% from government business, as demand for military-related capacity outpaced slack in US government spending. OneWeb revenue increased 65% in Q1, helping lift overall results, while Eutelsat’s LEO scale continues to offset declines in video-related activity.

2026-05-13T05:23:24.336537-07:00

Eutelsat reports Q1 revenue jump as OneWeb-backed LEO growth offsets weaker US government demand; OneWeb revenue up 65%

Breaking Defense

Latvia tests UGV comms in dense forest where Starlink-linked systems falter Latvian reports say unmanned ground vehicles encountered significant communication problems while operating in densely forested areas, with many incidents involving systems relying on Starlink. The episode highlights a practical connectivity gap for ground robotics in challenging terrain, with potential operational impacts during decentralized missions.

2026-05-13T01:57:09.373330-07:00

Latvia tests UGV comms in dense forest where Starlink-linked systems falter

SpaceNews.com

FCC greenlights SpaceX’s EchoStar spectrum purchase for US direct-to-device—ties approval to $2.4B escrow amid upper C-band tran The FCC has approved SpaceX’s acquisition of EchoStar spectrum to expand U.S. direct-to-device services, contingent on a $2.4 billion escrow arrangement linked to disputes over EchoStar’s abandoned terrestrial 5G buildout. Separately, the FCC’s FCC 26-26 report formalizes a broader shift to spectrum sharing and mandates auctions of remaining Upper C-band by mid-2027.

2026-05-12T16:35:38.746696-07:00

FCC greenlights SpaceX’s EchoStar spectrum purchase for US direct-to-device—ties approval to $2.4B escrow amid upper C-band tran

Space Intel Report

SES and Eutelsat say IRIS2 secure connectivity negotiations with the European Commission need weeks to settle cost, configuratio SES and Eutelsat said their negotiations with the European Commission on Europe’s IRIS2 multi-orbit secure connectivity constellation are not yet finalized, requiring several more weeks of work to lock cost, configuration and schedule. The operators are tying completion to resolving performance and final build details with the EC.

2026-05-12T16:35:28.169022-07:00

SES and Eutelsat say IRIS2 secure connectivity negotiations with the European Commission need weeks to settle cost, configuratio

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Satellite News

Google in talks with SpaceX to launch “Project Suncatcher” tests for space-based AI data centers

SpinLaunch and Aalyria to develop network-orchestration infrastructure for SpinLaunch’s Meridian LEO satcom constellation

Logos Space moves toward enterprise and government-secure LEO network design after FCC clearance, selecting a satellite bus manu

Northrop Grumman unveils LR-450 compact navigation system for satellite-degraded missions

News Timeline