low-Earth orbit

SpaceNews reports that SpaceComputer's first mission will travel from low-Earth orbit to geostationary orbit. The plan marks an ambitious trajectory for the company's debut mission, since most spacecraft launch directly into their operating orbit or start in geostationary transfer orbit. Few details beyond the orbital plan have been released so far, and reactions from the space industry remain limited.

Google has launched an experimental satellite into low-Earth orbit to test whether near-constant sunlight in space can be used to power data centers. The satellite, launched on October 1, carries four computer chips capable of running in orbit as part of an early proof of concept. The project reflects growing interest among tech companies in meeting rising energy demands from AI with space-based solar power.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to lift off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, carrying the Transporter-18 rideshare mission to low-Earth orbit. Launch is targeted for Thursday, Oct. 1, with a 58-minute launch window. Guardians and Airmen from Space Launch Delta 30 are supporting the mission, which will carry multiple small payloads into orbit at once.