orbital

SpaceX is expected to launch its giant Starship into orbit for the first time on Monday, conducting a test flight that may last nearly 10 hours. This mission will carry 26 upgraded Starlink satellites, with plans to deploy them into orbit and integrate them into the existing space internet network. If successful, it will pave the way for more orbital flight missions.

SpaceX Starship will begin executing orbital missions starting from the 14th flight, planning to deploy Starlink V3 satellites and other payloads into space.

According to the French newspaper Le Monde, the United Arab Emirates will invest 1 billion dollars through its subsidiary Marlan Space, under the International Holding Company (IHC), in Loft Orbital, a space AI startup co-founded by France and the United States, to build an observation satellite constellation consisting of 50 satellites equipped with AI capabilities.Unlike traditional satellites that transmit data back to the ground for analysis, the company plans to use AI in space to process images, videos, and measurement data collected by the satellites directly, with AI entities identifying anomalies and issuing alerts within seconds.

Elon Musk stated that due to insufficient power supply and difficulties in ground facility approvals, orbital computing (i.e., space computing platforms) may be the only way to scale AI on a large scale by around 2029.

SpaceX stated in its IPO application documents that orbital AI computing and the industrialization efforts on the Moon and Mars are still in the early stages, involving significant technological complexities that may not be commercially viable.Elon Musk has called space AI computing an obvious choice, believing that orbit could become the lowest-cost storage location for AI within two to three years. The documents warn that orbital AI data centers operate in harsh and unpredictable space environments, where systems may fail. Additionally, delays in the development of Starship could also limit the company's growth strategy. SpaceX currently targets a valuation of approximately $1.75 trillion and plans to raise $75 billion in the coming months.

ChainCatcher news, according to Techfundingnews, London-based blockchain payment platform Orbital has completed a £5 million (approximately $6.8 million) Series A funding round, led by Golden Record Ventures, with participation from New Form Capital, GSRV, Psalion, and Luminous Futures.The funds will be used to further develop platform technology and expand market share. Orbital plans to strengthen its position in the blockchain payment sector and expand its global operations through continuous innovation and the provision of high-quality services.