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Industry

Who will launch without Falcon 9? Four U.S. space companies race to develop next-generation rockets

Concerns are growing about a shortage of medium-lift rockets in the U.S. launch market as SpaceX reduces new commercial contracts for its Falcon 9. Ars Technica reported that SpaceX could start phasing down Falcon 9 commercial launch services as early as 2028. With alternatives limited and new rockets yet to fly, satellite operators face uncertainty. Stoke Space, Relativity Space, Rocket Lab and Firefly Aerospace are developing next-generation vehicles, with first launches expected from 2027 onward.

AI & Enterprise

SpaceX to spend up to 53 trillion won on AI infrastructure, says payback under a year

SpaceX is expanding investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure, its third-quarter results show. The company spent $16.4 billion in AI-related capital expenditure and forecast total capital spending of $35 billion to $40 billion this quarter as new computing facilities come online. CFO Bret Johnsen said the new facilities could recoup investment in less than a year at current prices. Third-quarter AI revenue topped estimates and exceeded Starlink revenue for the first time on a quarterly basis.

Industry

Google sends satellite carrying TPU into space; launch costs key

Google has sent a demonstration satellite carrying its TPU chip into space for the first time to test an orbital data centre concept. The Planet Labs-built satellite will check whether the TPU can operate in space, including continuous 1 kW power supply, chip cooling and errors while running models. The company’s longer-term plan envisions 81 satellites flying in formation for parallel computing, but it says the concept requires significantly lower launch costs.