News

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

SpaceNews.com

Northrop Grumman’s LR-450 targets GPS-denied navigation for mid-size satellites

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

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

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

Space Intel Report

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

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

News Timeline

politico.eu

Europe’s case for a 1,000-satellite security constellation Europe is arguing for scaling to a 1,000-satellite constellation to underpin national security by improving what European forces can see—linking sensing, communications and defense-relevant intelligence to independent space access. The push reflects the shift of commercial space assets toward national power.

2026-05-13T21:32:30.807155-07:00

Europe’s case for a 1,000-satellite security constellation

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

SpaceNews.com

❗️

Northrop Grumman’s LR-450 targets GPS-denied navigation for mid-size satellites Northrop Grumman is rolling out the LR-450, a compact inertial positioning and navigation system derived from James Webb Space Telescope guidance technologies. The LR-450 is designed to provide continuous, precise spacecraft tracking and orientation even when external satellite signals are unavailable, addressing weakened navigation coverage beyond Earth orbit.

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

Northrop Grumman’s LR-450 targets GPS-denied navigation for mid-size satellites

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

SpaceWatch Global

EU Space Act’s extraterritorial compliance could reshape Türkiye’s space operator compliance and EU–NATO regulatory alignment A #SpaceWatchGL analysis says the EU Space Act may materially affect Turkish space operators via extraterritorial compliance duties, an “equivalence” pathway, and shifting EU–NATO regulatory dynamics. The article frames the changes as a legal and strategic risk that Türkiye’s space sector should monitor early.

2026-05-12T01:50:12.946576-07:00

EU Space Act’s extraterritorial compliance could reshape Türkiye’s space operator compliance and EU–NATO regulatory alignment

SpaceWatch Global

❗️

Lonestar signs NASA Space Act Agreement to pursue space-based lunar data storage, resilient off-world compute and next-gen comms Lonestar has signed a NASA Space Act Agreement establishing a framework for collaboration aimed at space-based data storage tied to lunar operations, resilient off-world compute infrastructure, and next-generation space communications architectures. The pact formalizes cooperation focused on storing and processing data beyond Earth for cislunar/lunar mission needs.

2026-05-12T01:42:03.834529-07:00

Lonestar signs NASA Space Act Agreement to pursue space-based lunar data storage, resilient off-world compute and next-gen comms

SpaceNews.com

NASA plans to keep International Space Station crew rotations at ~six-month intervals NASA says it will continue exchanging International Space Station crews about every six months, after assessing whether longer stays would be workable. The approach preserves near-term rotation cadence while the agency evaluates staffing and operational risk for longer-duration missions.

2026-05-11T15:46:51.075045-07:00

NASA plans to keep International Space Station crew rotations at ~six-month intervals

Menu

Space Policy & International Cooperation News

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

Northrop Grumman’s LR-450 targets GPS-denied navigation for mid-size satellites

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

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

News Timeline