Google launching AI chips into space with SpaceX
Next week, Google plans to send its own artificial intelligence chips—called TPUs—into Earth's orbit on a SpaceX rocket. The company's testing whether these chips can withstand the force and intense radiation of space as part of Project Suncatcher. If the experiment works, Google could eventually build full solar-powered satellite clusters for AI computing in orbit instead of on Earth.
- Google launching first TPUs on SpaceX Transporter-18 mission
- Goal: test chip survival in rocket launch and space conditions
- Future vision: clusters of solar-powered AI satellites
- Solar panels in orbit can generate much more power than on Earth
Sources covering this
In this story
More in AI
OpenAI rolls out GPT-6 Astra to most paying users
OpenAI has made its new GPT-6 Astra model available to most paying subscribers a day after its official launch. The rollout, initially described as “messy” by OpenAI’s CEO, now includes ChatGPT Plus, Business, Pro, and Enterprise users, while customers on the lower-priced Go tier do not have access. Astra is also available via the API. OpenAI says the rollout required bringing new systems and additional computing resources online.
OpenAI cuts prices with new GPT-6 Sol and Luna models
OpenAI just rolled out two new AI models, GPT-6 Sol and Luna, claiming they're both cheaper and more accurate than the previous versions. The cost for Sol and Luna is now half what you'd pay for the GPT-5.6 versions. Sol is aimed at coding, Luna at clerical work like summarizing documents. OpenAI says the new models make fewer mistakes, with Sol reportedly cutting coding errors by about 50%.
AI researchers warn of superintelligence risks
Senior AI researchers and former officials have warned that developing artificial superintelligence could carry catastrophic risks. At a UK parliamentary session this week, participants discussed the possibility that AI could pose a threat greater than nuclear weapons, with a top Anthropic scientist stating there's over a 10% chance AI could "kill all humans" within a decade. Lawmakers are considering new legislation to ban superintelligence development.
ChatGPT Images 2.5 adds faster editing tools
OpenAI has updated its ChatGPT Images feature to version 2.5, adding several new editing tools and speeding up image generation. You can now remove backgrounds, resize images to preset dimensions, erase items by brushing over them, and use markup and comment functions directly from a new Edit toolbar. According to TechRadar, the features are available in both web and app versions, though OpenAI hasn't formally announced the rollout yet.