In this week’s News of Note, Amazon continues its competition with Starlink by launching another batch of internet satellites, WhatsApp receives a ban by congressional staffers and “the ChatGPT of quantum computing” launches in Canada. Elsewhere, Texas Instruments announces a major investment in semiconductor production in the United States.
Private investors are pouring billions into space-based endeavors. While satellite technology is a common use of these dollars, money is also flowing to projects like the (highly publicized) building of reusable rockets by SpaceX and others, cleaning up “space trash,” mining on the moon and even tackling climate change and health. The renewed interest comes on the heels of more affordable building materials and the arrival of modular components and 3D printing for such projects. The Brookings Institute makes the case that this latest round of space exploration is fueling the fourth industrial revolution.
Internet & Social Media Law Blog