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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.

Industry

Canada speeds up drive to build domestic space launch industry to cut U.S. reliance

Canada is accelerating efforts to foster a domestic space launch industry to reduce reliance on foreign launch vehicles. Canada Rocket Company plans to skip development of a small rocket and directly develop the medium-lift R-2. The government selected NordSpace, Reaction Dynamics and Canada Rocket Company for initial support under the Defence Ministry’s Launch the North project. It aims to secure independent capability to launch satellites from Canadian territory using Canadian-built rockets.

Industry

Real price and reality of space tourism in 2026

Interest in space tourism is growing after Tron founder Justin Sun flew on Blue Origin in August 2025. Commercial offerings range from parabolic zero-gravity flights and stratospheric balloons to suborbital rides and paid stays on the International Space Station, with prices from a few thousand dollars to about $55 million per seat. The article draws a line between tickets on sale and services that have actually flown paying passengers, and highlights safety and operational track records.