Space News

Satellite AI Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space

New York Times • Cade Metz, Kate Conger

Google to launch prototype satellites for first in-orbit test of AI computing under Project Suncatcher

Google plans to launch two experimental satellites with Planet by early 2027 to test whether AI chips can support large-scale computing infrastructure in orbit. The effort, Project Suncatcher, is an early-stage study of space-based data centers and their potential technical feasibility.

Aviation24 • André Orban

Google plans two satellites to test AI computing in space

Reuters

Google plans first test of AI chips in space under Project Suncatcher

Also: New York Times, Economic Times, The Verge, Seeking Alpha and CNA

8 Sources

2026-09-24T06:45:51.562873-07:00

China Moon Space Policy & International Cooperation NASA

Ars Technica • Eric Berger

NASA chief concerned China may deny access to parts of Moon's south pole

By Ars Technica: If you come up short with who comes down the ladder first, the impact is felt around the world.".

1 Source

2026-09-24T08:05:36.690136-07:00

Satellite Commercial Space Space Debris & Traffic Management NASA

Payload • Jacqueline Feldscher

Starfish’s First Operational Otter Spacecraft to Launch Next Month

By Payload: During the Small Spacecraft Propulsion and Inspection Capability, aka SSPICY, mission, Otter will approach and inspect multiple US defunct satellites, whose operators have agreed to receive a visit from the spacecraft.

NASA Spaceflight

Starfish Space’s first Otter servicing vehicle slated for Transporter-18

SpaceNews.com

Starfish Space ready to launch its first Otter spacecraft

Also: GeekWire and cosmiclog.com

5 Sources

2026-09-24T06:05:07.448198-07:00

Blue Origin Europe Moon Space Exploration & Science Missions Commercial Space

European Spaceflight • Andrew Parsonson

European Lunar Rover Secures Spot Aboard Blue Origin Blue Moon Mission

By European Spaceflight: Belgium's Space Applications Services has secured a ride for its LUVMI-M rover aboard a Blue Origin lunar lander mission.

1 Source

2026-09-24T06:50:54.840987-07:00

Europe Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation

SpaceWatch Global • Joshua Faleti

Scotland's Aurora Avionics Prepares for First Flight Test with German Research Partnership

By SpaceWatch Global: Scotland's Aurora Avionics has installed its PF1 onboard computer system into DLR's MAPHEUS subrbital research rocket for the first time.

1 Source

2026-09-24T02:16:10.085923-07:00

Moon Human Spaceflight & Space Stations NASA

Payload • Jacqueline Feldscher

Isaacman Promises ‘Artemis Acceleration’ Update Next Month

By Payload: “There’s a lot of ingredients—so many ingredients—that need to come together for that landing, and we owe everybody an update,” he said.

1 Source

2026-09-24T05:20:10.500271-07:00

Moon Space Exploration & Science Missions Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact NASA

SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

Isaacman says NASA ‘dodged a bullet’ with Chinese lunar mission delay

By SpaceNews.com: NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the agency “dodged a bullet” with the unexpected delay in a Chinese lunar mission amid a US-China moon race.

1 Source

2026-09-24T05:00:44.772409-07:00

Space Exploration & Science Missions NASA

SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

NASA selects far-infrared space telescope for first billion-dollar astrophysics mission

By SpaceNews.com: NASA has selected a far-infrared space telescope as the first in a new line of billion-dollar astrophysics missions.

3 Sources

2026-09-24T04:25:47.581475-07:00

Google to launch prototype satellites for first in-orbit test of AI computing under Project Suncatcher

Google plans two satellites to test AI computing in space

Google plans first test of AI chips in space under Project Suncatcher

NASA chief concerned China may deny access to parts of Moon's south pole

Starfish’s First Operational Otter Spacecraft to Launch Next Month

Starfish Space’s first Otter servicing vehicle slated for Transporter-18

Starfish Space ready to launch its first Otter spacecraft

European Lunar Rover Secures Spot Aboard Blue Origin Blue Moon Mission

Scotland's Aurora Avionics Prepares for First Flight Test with German Research Partnership

Isaacman Promises ‘Artemis Acceleration’ Update Next Month

Isaacman says NASA ‘dodged a bullet’ with Chinese lunar mission delay

NASA selects far-infrared space telescope for first billion-dollar astrophysics mission

NASA chief concerned China may deny access to parts of Moon's south pole

European Lunar Rover Secures Spot Aboard Blue Origin Blue Moon Mission

Google Is Sending an A.I. Data Center to Outer Space

Starfish’s First Operational Otter Spacecraft to Launch Next Month

Scotland's Aurora Avionics Prepares for First Flight Test with German Research Partnership

Hubble Network Raises $200M Series C at $1.6B Valuation

Saab signs three MoUs to expand its space-defense activities

D2D satellite operators need to look behind MNOs to reach their full business potential

Hubble Network Raises $200M Series C at $1.6B Valuation

Starlink Base Station Caught Fire in Poland, Minister Says

SpaceX stacks Starship-Super Heavy ahead of first orbital launch attempt

Rocket Supply Crunch Tightens Access to Space as SpaceX Winds Down Flagship Vehicle

Europe advances sovereign LEO connectivity through OneWeb rail trials, Sateliot’s ESA selection and Axiom partnership

SaxaVord drops shared suborbital rail, requiring HyImpulse to provide its own for second SR75 launch

The day’s aerospace signal, in one email.

More in Space

MBS Acquires 20% Stake in HPS as German Space Hardware Firm Expands

Stanford Engineers Teach Spacecraft to "Dream" Their Way to the Space Station

ESA Awards RFA €2.7 Million in New Funding for SaxaVord Operations

Saab looks to expand in space sector with new partnerships

Ship 41 and Booster 21 head into key pre-flight test

JUICE Mission to Swing by Earth on September 28

Commercial ISR Satellite Providers Expand Globally as Nations Seek Sovereign Intelligence Capacity

Everything You Need to Know About SpaceX's Wildlife Refuge Land Swap with the Trump Administration