MIT Technology Review is reporting that Varda Space Industries has partnered with United Therapeutics to explore drug crystallization in microgravity, aiming to develop improved pharmaceuticals. The publication noted that decreasing launch costs are making space-based manufacturing increasingly viable. Separately, MIT Technology Review said NASA plans to launch a nuclear reactor-powered interplanetary spacecraft to Mars by the end of 2028, a mission that could usher in a new era of spaceflight and give the U.S. an advantage in the space race.
In other technology news, AFP is reporting that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman claims Elon Musk attempted to gain control of OpenAI, initially seeking 90% equity. The BBC added that Altman stated Musk wanted control to pass to his children after his death. NPR reported Altman also accused Musk of twice trying to end OpenAI's non-profit status. MIT Technology Review noted that Musk's motivations for the lawsuit are under scrutiny.
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Google and SpaceX are in discussions to launch data centers into orbit as part of Google's Suncatcher project, with The Guardian indicating a first launch is slated for early 2027. Wired added that Anthropic and SpaceX have also explored orbital data centers. MIT Technology Review highlighted several challenges for such projects.
Bloomberg is reporting that Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has joined Donald Trump's high-stakes mission to China, lobbying for the sale of AI chips. CNBC added that Elon Musk and Tim Cook are also part of the trip. Reuters noted that existing tech rivalry and distrust have dampened expectations for major deals.
404 Media is reporting that ICE agents are using Palantir technology on iPhones, providing access to a list of 20 million people, which an ICE official said accelerates raids and arrests. TechCrunch added that ICE has also employed facial recognition and Paragon spyware.
The Financial Times is reporting that defense tech firm Anduril has doubled its valuation to over $60 billion after a $5 billion funding round. The New York Times said Anduril, which develops AI-backed weapons, may go public next year.
Reuters is reporting that Meta employees are protesting computer-tracking at work, with flyers urging staff to oppose the program. CNBC said Meta intends to track workers' clicks and keystrokes to train AI.
Ars Technica is reporting that OpenAI faces another wrongful death lawsuit, alleging that ChatGPT's medical advice contributed to a teenager's overdose. The BBC is reporting that the Canvas learning platform paid hackers to delete stolen student data following a ransomware attack, described as the largest-ever edtech breach. Nature is reporting that scientific researchers are reconsidering AI use due to rising costs, usage limits, and unreliable outputs. Ars Technica also reported on a new trend of hosting mini data centers in homes, with hosts receiving subsidized electricity and internet.
Full Article: The Download: making drugs in orbit and NASA’s nuclear-powered spacecraft