AI in Orbit, Microsoft’s Missteps, and the OpenAI Backdoor Nobody Saw Coming

In this week’s IT SPARC Cast – News Bytes, John and Lou go galactic—covering AI data centers in orbit, Microsoft’s blunders, and a nasty new Windows backdoor exploiting OpenAI’s API.First, it’s “IT in SPAAAAAACE!” as Google unveils Project Suncatcher, an effort to launch radiation-hardened Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) into orbit for solar-powered, space-based AI compute. Then, SpaceX announces plans to build low-Earth-orbit data centers using its Starlink satellite infrastructure and Tesla’s upcoming AI chips—pushing the data center arms race off-planet.Next up in “Really, Microsoft?” — the latest Windows 11 bug means “Update and Shut Down” doesn’t actually shut down. It just reboots. But the real danger comes from the newly discovered SesameOp backdoor, which uses the OpenAI Assistants API as its command-and-control channel—making it nearly invisible to traditional security tools.Finally, Microsoft ends volume pricing discounts for enterprise customers, sparking frustration across IT departments already battling licensing complexity.Show Notes00:00 - IntroJohn and Lou open with a new segment: “IT in Space!” as data centers literally leave Earth’s surface.01:02 - Google’s Next Moonshot: Project Suncatcher•Google to launch Project Suncatcher—solar-powered AI compute nodes using Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) in orbit.•Partners with Planet Labs for radiation-hardened TPU testing.•Orbiting clusters could provide 8x more energy efficiency than Earth-based systems.•Challenges include cooling, radiation shielding, and debris avoidance.https://9to5google.com/2025/11/04/google-project-suncatcher/03:41 - SpaceX Plans Data Centers in Low-Earth Orbit•SpaceX confirms Starlink v3 satellites will support data center modules.•Tied to Tesla’s AI5 and upcoming AI6 chip platforms.•Starship will be used to deploy orbital compute clusters.•Laser interlinks and orbital energy capture could redefine distributed computing.https://x.com/dimazeniuk/status/1984613494629503484?s=61&t=vt5DZTzMzVaVQd0cNd8iuA06:55 - “Update and Shut Down” No Longer Restarts PC•Microsoft’s November 2025 preview patch fixes a long-standing issue: “Update and Shut Down” reboots instead of powering off.•Optional fix available under Windows 11 build 26200.7019.•Another headache in Windows’ long list of quality-of-life bugs.https://www.windowslatest.com/2025/11/02/update-and-shut-down-no-longer-restarts-pc-as-windows-11-25h2-patch-addresses-a-decades-old-bug/08:10 - SesameOp Backdoor Using OpenAI Assistants API•SesameOp discovered by Microsoft’s DART Team.•Uses OpenAI’s Assistants API as a stealthy command-and-control (C2) channel.•No patch yet—only firewall whitelisting and Defender rules recommended.https://thehackernews.com/2025/11/microsoft-detects-sesameop-backdoor.html13:53 - Microsoft Ends Volume Pricing•As of Nov 1, Microsoft has eliminated tiered volume discounts for Enterprise Agreements.•Large customers will now pay the same flat rate as smaller ones.•Could increase software spend by double digits at renewal.https://www.cio.com/article/4079004/microsoft-ends-volume-pricing-potentially-costing-companies-millions.html15:29 - Mail Bag & Wrap Uphttps://daily.jstor.org/when-the-push-button-was-new-people-were-freaked/IT SPARC Cast@ITSPARCCast on Xhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/sparc-sales/ on LinkedInJohn Barger@john_Video on Xhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbarger/ on LinkedInLou Schmidt@loudoggeek on Xhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-schmidt-b102446/ on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.