space

An astronomer is tracking the gradual orbital decay of Starlink satellites, using their sinking altitudes as a kind of 'planetary barometer' to gauge density changes in the upper atmosphere. Because satellite drag responds to solar activity and atmospheric heating, the constellation's thousands of spacecraft could double as a global measuring network. The approach highlights ongoing tension between the megaconstellation and observational astronomy.

DARPA is developing a robotic spacecraft designed to service and repair satellites in geosynchronous orbit, roughly 36,000 kilometers above Earth. The program, detailed by IEEE Spectrum, would extend the lives of expensive communications and military satellites that currently cannot be fixed once deployed. Interest is focused on the engineering challenges of robotic repair at such extreme distances and its implications for space operations.

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has observed an exotic spiral galaxy that appears to be rotating in two directions at the same time. The unusual finding has drawn attention from space enthusiasts and science outlets, with Mashable among those covering the observation and its implications for how such galaxies can form and evolve.

Two NASA astronauts who traveled farther from Earth than any humans before them are moving into new roles within the space agency. The pair set the distance record during their mission, and NASA is now assigning them to fresh positions. Details of their exact new duties have not yet been made public.

Google has announced Project Suncatcher, a research initiative to run machine learning infrastructure on solar-powered satellite constellations in orbit. The idea is to use uninterrupted sunlight in space to power AI data centers without Earth's land and energy constraints. Commenters are debating feasibility, launch costs, thermal management and whether orbital compute could scale.

Google has announced Project Suncatcher, a plan to test its AI chips in space for the first time. The initiative points to the company exploring whether orbiting hardware could support future AI computing, as demand for processing power strains terrestrial data centres. The announcement has drawn attention across tech and semiconductor coverage worldwide.

Google is preparing to test its AI chips in space, according to a report by The Brussels Times. The project would see the company's custom semiconductor hardware evaluated in orbital conditions rather than solely in terrestrial data centres. Further details on timing, partners or the specific chips involved have not been disclosed, and there has been no independent confirmation of the programme's scope so far.

Developers have put forward plans for a large new settlement on land south of Cambridge, including 4,000 homes alongside schools, shops and a riverside country park. The scheme is one of the bigger housing proposals in the area, where pressure for new homes around the city continues to grow. Local reaction is likely to focus on infrastructure, green space and the scale of the build.

Content creators are increasingly taking equity stakes in startups instead of relying on traditional brand sponsorship deals. The shift reflects a growing view among influencers that ownership in early-stage companies offers better long-term returns than one-off paid promotions. Commenters in the creator economy space see it as a sign the industry is maturing, with creators acting more like investors and business partners than advertisers.

DW News examines whether India's growing space startup sector can transform the country into a leading global space power. The report looks at how private companies are building on the achievements of the Indian Space Research Organisation, which has gained international attention for low-cost missions such as its lunar and Mars explorations. Discussion centres on whether entrepreneurial ventures can sustain and expand India's ambitions in satellite launches and deep space exploration.

The UK military is reportedly jamming satellites belonging to other nations as a defensive measure, according to information given to the BBC. The disclosure sheds light on Britain's use of electronic warfare in orbit, an area normally kept secret, and is likely to raise questions about the rules and risks of interference with foreign space assets.

Venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) has launched Cosign, a curated professional network aimed at the startup community. The platform is designed to connect founders, investors and operators through invite-based, vetted membership rather than open sign-ups. The move puts a16z in competition with established professional networks and reflects growing investor interest in private, high-trust communities for deal flow and founder support.

Legal AI startup Intelligent AF has launched and simultaneously acquired TechnoCat, a move it says will help it build a so-called fluency ecosystem. The company is positioning itself in the crowded legal technology space, where startups are racing to apply artificial intelligence to legal work. Details on funding, valuation, or the terms of the acquisition were not disclosed at launch.

Pakistani authorities have instructed hospitals to free up bed space in preparation for what officials are calling a potential 'mass casualty incident'. The order comes amid tensions surrounding the detention of sisters of former prime minister Imran Khan, who were held ahead of planned protests. Commenters are reading the directive as a sign the government is bracing for large-scale unrest, with the military and Khan's supporters on a collision course.

Scientists are studying whether a nuclear explosion could be used to deflect a large asteroid on a collision course with Earth. The idea, long confined to Hollywood plots like Armageddon, is being taken seriously as a last-resort planetary defence option, with researchers testing models of how a nuclear blast could nudge or break up an incoming space rock.

The US Air Force has issued a formal directive requiring every Airman and Guardian to update their religious affiliation records to bring them in line with Department of Defense standards. The order affects all personnel across the Air Force and Space Force. The full scope of the change and how the updated data will be used has not been detailed in the reporting so far.