infrastructure operators

Canadarm2, the large robotic arm aboard the International Space Station, has stopped working, according to an Ars Technica report. The arm is essential for capturing cargo spacecraft, moving equipment and supporting spacewalks, so a failure would complicate station operations. Details on the cause and possible repairs remain limited, and observers are awaiting confirmation from NASA and the Canadian Space Agency.

Kyiv Post examines whether Vladimir Putin prioritizes protecting Russian oil refineries from Ukrainian drone attacks or continuing strikes against Ukraine. The question highlights the strategic dilemma posed by Ukraine's escalating campaign against Russian energy infrastructure, which has forced Russia to weigh air defense at home against offensive operations. The piece is drawing attention amid ongoing debates over the effectiveness of Ukraine's long-range strike strategy.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, together with US airlines, is urging Congress to quickly approve $30 billion to fund aviation reforms. The push comes amid growing pressure to modernize the country's air traffic control systems and address safety and reliability concerns. Airlines argue that investment in aviation infrastructure is needed urgently to reduce delays and improve operations for travelers.

Gecko Robotics is working with NVIDIA to add security and control capabilities for AI agents, according to The Robot Report. The partnership pairs Gecko's robotics inspection expertise with NVIDIA's AI infrastructure to govern how autonomous agents operate. Details on timelines or specific products were not disclosed, but the move reflects growing industry focus on safely deploying AI-driven robotics in industrial settings.

Firefighters in Chiba, Japan, are struggling to bring a solar panel facility fire under control as flooding at the site and the risk of electrocution are slowing their response. Responders cannot safely access or douse the burning panels while water and live electrical equipment combine, prolonging the operation.

The US Space Force is exploring the use of commercially operated ground antennas to communicate with and control its satellites. The initiative would let the military lean on private ground station networks instead of building and running all of its own, part of a broader push to cut costs and add capacity for a growing satellite fleet.

Data center developers are speaking publicly about the current operating environment for their industry. The discussion comes as demand for data center capacity continues to grow rapidly, driven by artificial intelligence and cloud computing, while developers face challenges including power availability, land constraints, and community opposition to new facilities.