Google has moved a step closer to space-based AI computing. Its prototype satellite for Project Suncatcher reached orbit on SpaceX's Transporter-18 mission, built in partnership with Planet Labs. The satellite carries Google's tensor processing units and is confirmed to be operating as expected. The test aims to determine whether AI hardware can handle the rigors of launch, radiation, and extreme temperatures in space.
The project, first revealed in November 2025, envisions solar-powered AI data centers in low Earth orbit. Alphabet says that orbit can provide up to eight times more solar power than on Earth, potentially enabling continuous operation for AI computing tasks.
On the ground, AMD and Broadcom are positioning themselves as key players in the next wave of AI infrastructure spending. AMD has landed two $100 billion inference deals, one each with OpenAI and Meta, and is acquiring World Labs to advance physical AI processors. Broadcom leads in custom AI chips and helped Alphabet develop its TPUs. The company forecasts its custom chip revenue will grow to $115 billion next year and $230 billion the year after.
Other companies are making notable moves as well. UiPath expanded its partnerships with Snowflake and BDO USA while launching new AI automation tools. Accenture reported strong Q3 2026 results, with revenue up 12.5% year-over-year and digital services rising 20%. Teradata upgraded its platform with agentic AI capabilities, and Intuit joined Meta's Muse platform as a launch partner. Thales announced a cybersecurity partnership with Google Cloud, while Anthropic is preparing for a pre-Thanksgiving IPO despite warnings about AI risks in its S-1 filing.
Cybersecurity concerns are growing. PwC's 2027 Global Digital Trust Insights Survey found that 84% of security and finance leaders expect cybersecurity budgets to rise, up from 78% last year. AI is a major driver, with 58% listing it as a top priority. However, only 39% have a formal plan for cyber risks. A separate report warns that companies are often surprised by AI costs at scale, emphasizing the need for strong data governance to control spending.
Key Takeaways
- Google's Project Suncatcher prototype satellite reached orbit on SpaceX's Transporter-18 mission, carrying TPUs to test AI hardware in space.
- Alphabet says low Earth orbit provides up to eight times more solar power than on Earth, enabling potential solar-powered AI data centers.
- AMD has secured two $100 billion inference deals with OpenAI and Meta and is acquiring World Labs for physical AI development.
- Broadcom forecasts custom AI chip revenue will grow to $115 billion next year and $230 billion the year after, having helped Alphabet develop its TPUs.
- UiPath expanded partnerships with Snowflake and BDO USA while launching new AI automation products including Coding Agents and Cartographer.
- Accenture reported Q3 2026 revenue growth of 12.5% year-over-year, with digital services up 20%, driven by AI capabilities.
- Anthropic plans a pre-Thanksgiving IPO and expects to spend $518 billion on AI infrastructure, despite S-1 warnings about AI existential risks.
- PwC's survey shows 84% of leaders expect cybersecurity budgets to rise, with AI as a top driver, yet only 39% have formal cyber risk plans.
- Teradata upgraded its Autonomous Knowledge Platform with agentic AI, embedding WisdomAI's deterministic analytics for natural language querying.
- Intuit joined Meta's Muse platform as a launch partner, embedding QuickBooks inside the platform despite a 58% stock decline over the past year.
Google tests AI hardware in orbit with Project Suncatcher
Google's prototype satellite for Project Suncatcher reached orbit on SpaceX's Transporter-18 mission. The satellite was built with Planet Labs and carries Google's tensor processing units, or TPUs. Google confirmed contact with the satellite and says it is operating as expected. The test will show if AI hardware can survive the stresses of launch, radiation, and extreme temperatures in space.
SpaceX and Google launch AI chips into orbit
SpaceX and Alphabet's Google launched AI chips into orbit for Project Sun Catcher. The mission tested data center technology in space. The chips are designed to run AI computing tasks. This experiment could lead to solar-powered data centers that operate continuously in orbit.
Alphabet sends AI tensor processing chips to orbit on SpaceX
Alphabet launched its AI tensor processing units, or TPUs, into orbit on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The launch took place from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on the Transporter-18 mission. The solar-powered prototype is part of Project Suncatcher, first revealed in November 2025, which aims to build solar-powered AI computing in space. Alphabet says low Earth orbit can provide up to eight times more solar power than on Earth.
AMD and Broadcom lead next wave of AI infrastructure build-out
Advanced Micro Devices and Broadcom are two chip stocks positioned to lead the next wave of AI infrastructure spending. AMD focuses on inference, agentic AI, and physical AI processors and has two $100 billion inference deals with OpenAI and Meta. Broadcom leads in custom AI chips called ASICs and helped Alphabet develop its Tensor Processing Units. Broadcom forecasts its custom chip business will grow to $115 billion next year and $230 billion the year after.
AMD and Broadcom stocks set for AI data center growth
Advanced Micro Devices and Broadcom are well positioned for growth in the AI infrastructure build-out. AMD is developing processors for inference and agentic AI and is acquiring World Labs to advance physical AI. Broadcom is the leader in custom AI chip technology and helped create Alphabet's Tensor Processing Units. Both Alphabet and Anthropic are buying TPUs, and Broadcom expects its custom chip revenue to double to $115 billion next year and again to $230 billion the following year.
UiPath stock rises 4.13% as AI partnerships expand
UiPath stock rose 4.13% amid strong AI automation momentum. The company launched Coding Agents, the Delegate productivity agent, and Cartographer software for mapping business processes. UiPath expanded partnerships with Snowflake and BDO USA for data and compliance workflows. Gartner named UiPath a Leader in business orchestration and automation.
Accenture beats expectations with AI-driven growth
Accenture reported calendar Q3 2026 results that beat market revenue expectations. Revenue grew 12.5% year-over-year, and the digital services segment rose 20%. The company's CEO credited AI capabilities and adaptability for the strong performance. Accenture's stock price jumped 10% on the news.
Teradata's agentic AI upgrade changes its investment story
Teradata upgraded its Autonomous Knowledge Platform in September 2026 by turning Tera into an agentic coworker. The update embeds WisdomAI's deterministic Agentic Analytics for querying governed data in natural language. This lets enterprise users automate complex workflows without moving data between systems. The shift moves Teradata toward higher-value AI-driven recurring analytics workloads.
Intuit joins Meta Muse as launch partner despite stock drop
Intuit joined Meta's Muse platform as a launch partner and embedded QuickBooks inside it. Intuit stock fell 58% over the past year to $282.60. Options traders bought calls at $265 and $270 strikes targeting October 16 expiry. Cramer had named Airbnb and Booking Holdings as Muse casualties, not Intuit.
Thales calls for investment against AI-powered cyberattacks
The head of Thales called for more investment in AI-based cyber protection at an event in Cyprus. He said AI lets attackers act faster and carry out more complex attacks, with some models operating without human supervision. Thales presented new cybersecurity tools and announced a partnership with Google Cloud. State actors targeting government institutions and critical private companies were also highlighted.
Anthropic plans pre-Thanksgiving IPO despite warning of AI existential risks
Anthropic, led by CEO Dario Amodei, plans to launch its IPO before Thanksgiving. The company's S-1 filing warns that some AI models could show self-preserving behaviors or try to conceal information. Anthropic also expects to spend $518 billion on AI infrastructure in the coming years. Investors remain eager despite the safety concerns detailed in the prospectus.
AI costs at scale challenge marketers, governance key to control spending
A new report says companies are surprised by how much AI costs once they use it at scale. Marketing teams face rising AI bills because they lack proper data governance and error tracking. The report says strong data foundations and clear oversight can help organizations control AI spending. It adds that teams must connect AI investments to real business results to keep budgets intact.
PwC finds AI risks driving higher cybersecurity budgets
PwC's 2027 Global Digital Trust Insights Survey found that 84% of security and finance leaders expect cybersecurity budgets to rise, up from 78% last year. AI is a major driver, with 58% of security leaders listing it as a top budget priority. However, only 39% have a formal plan for cyber risks, and many gaps remain in AI governance and data protection. The survey included nearly 4,000 executives across 71 countries.
Sources
- Google Takes Its AI Infrastructure Experiment Into Orbit
- SpaceX and Google launch AI chips into orbit for space data centers
- Alphabet Launches Homegrown AI Tensor Processing Chips Into Orbit On SpaceX Rocket
- Got $1,000? 2 Growth Stocks Building the Data Centers of the AI Infrastructure Supercycle.
- Got $1,000? 2 Growth Stocks Building the Data Centers of the AI Infrastructure Supercycle.
- UiPath Stock Draws Traders As AI Partnerships Deepen
- ACN Q3 Deep Dive: Broad-Based Growth and AI Momentum Drive Strong Results
- How Agentic AI Rollout At Teradata (TDC) Has Changed Its Investment Story
- Cramer Warned Viewers That Meta’s AI Would Crush This Stock, and Someone Just Bet Millions It Won’t
- Thales chief calls for investment in protection against AI attacks
- Report: Anthropic targets pre-Thanksgiving IPO launch, despite warning of AI's 'existential risks'
- The Hidden Cost of AI at Scale — And What Marketers Need to Do About It
- AI Risks Push Cybersecurity Budgets Higher, PwC Finds
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