Australia Launches R&D Review to Boost Economic Growth The Government of Australia has appointed Robyn Denholm, chair of Tesla, to lead a comprehensive review of the nation’s research and development (R&D) performance. The initiative aims to create a strategic framework that bridges the gap between research and industry, enhancing economic diversification and growth. Focus on Revitalising R&D Denholm will collaborate with three other panellists from academia and business to evaluate Australia’s current R&D landscape. The team is expected to recommend ways to make the nation’s approach to R&D more impactful and aligned with industry needs. Minister for Industry and Science,…
Author: Aditya Lenka
Earth Observation Market Set to Surpass $8 Billion by 2033 The global Earth Observation (EO) market is expected to grow significantly, reaching a valuation of over $8 billion by 2033, up from $5 billion today. According to a new report by Novaspace, formed through the merger of Euroconsult and SpaceTec Partners, this rapid growth is driven by advancements in EO technology and rising defence contracts. Driving Factors Behind EO Market Growth The report attributes the market’s expansion to improved high-resolution imaging and 3D capabilities. These advancements are enhancing the effectiveness of Earth monitoring, enabling industries like agriculture, defence, and environmental…
AI Policy at a Crossroads: Trump’s Second Term and the Future of Regulation As artificial intelligence (AI) reaches a transformative stage, the US federal government is poised for an AI Policy Shift. With President-elect Donald Trump preparing to take office, AI policy will move from a focus on safeguards under President Joe Biden to an agenda prioritising reduced regulatory hurdles. This shift excites some investors but raises concerns about the potential rollback of protections, especially in the use of AI deepfakes in elections. Trump’s AI Vision: Promoting Innovation Amid Concerns Donald Trump has promised to rescind Biden’s sweeping AI executive…
A Landmark Move to Bridge Connectivity Gaps The FCC approves T-Mobile-SpaceX Starlink to collaborate on providing supplemental internet coverage from space. This initiative aims to bring internet access to remote regions, addressing long-standing “dead zones.” This approval is the first instance of the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) authorising a satellite operator and a wireless carrier to work together. The partnership utilises flexible-use spectrum bands, typically reserved for terrestrial services, to expand connectivity. Advancing Technology for Broader Coverage T-Mobile and SpaceX first announced their collaboration in 2022. Earlier this year, the partnership made significant progress when SpaceX launched its first set…
Northvolt Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Amid Growing Financial Strain Northvolt, the Swedish electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturer, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US. The move deals a significant setback to Europe’s ambitions to reduce reliance on Chinese battery makers and establish its own stronghold in the EV battery market. The company announced that it has secured $100 million in financing to support operations during the bankruptcy process. Despite this, Northvolt’s liquidity remains precarious, with only $30 million in cash—enough to sustain operations for just one week. Northvolt’s Struggles and Plans for Restructuring Once seen as…
ISRO and Australian Space Agency Sign Agreement to Boost Space Collaboration The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Australian Space Agency (ASA) signed an Implementation Agreement (IA) on 20 November 2024, aimed at strengthening cooperation in space exploration. The agreement focuses on supporting crew and crew module recovery for ISRO’s ambitious Gaganyaan mission, a significant step in India’s human spaceflight programme. The signing ceremony saw Shri DK Singh, Director of ISRO’s Human Spaceflight Centre (HSFC), represent ISRO in Bengaluru, while Shri Jarrod Powell, General Manager of ASA’s Space Capability Branch, signed on behalf of ASA in Canberra. Supporting India’s…
Cosmic Growth Study Confirms Einstein’s Gravity Theory Scientists in a global collaboration have mapped the cosmos’ evolution over 11 billion years, delivering the most precise test yet of Albert Einstein’s general relativity on vast cosmic scales. Their findings confirm Einstein’s 1915 theory, showing gravity behaves as he predicted, even across immense distances. A Closer Look at Cosmic Evolution This groundbreaking research focuses on dark energy, the mysterious force driving the universe’s accelerated expansion. Using the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) at Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona, researchers analysed light from nearly 6 million galaxies. Their observations date back to…
SpaceX Launches GSAT-N2 Satellite: A Historic Collaboration Between ISRO and SpaceX In a landmark achievement, SpaceX launches GSAT-N2 communication satellite for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on November 18, 2024. The launch marked a significant milestone in international collaboration between two leading space organizations. A Falcon 9 rocket carrying the GSAT-N2 lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 1:31 PM EST (1831 GMT), deploying the satellite into a geosynchronous transfer orbit 34 minutes after liftoff. This launch, the third for SpaceX in less than 24 hours, underscores the company’s commitment to efficiency and reliability in space missions.…
SpaceX Falcon 9 Set to Launch India’s GSAT-N2 Communications Satellite SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to launch the NSIL GSAT-N2 mission from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The two-hour launch window opens at 1:31 p.m. ET, with a 95% chance of favourable weather, according to the 45th Weather Squadron. The only potential concern is the cumulus cloud rule. If weather or technical issues delay the liftoff, a backup window is available on Tuesday at 4:33 a.m. ET. The Falcon 9 and First-Stage Booster This mission will utilise Falcon 9’s first-stage booster, B1073, which has…
Rising Demand for Anti-Drone Technology in Ukraine’s Defence Sector The Ukraine defence industry has witnessed remarkable growth since the Russian invasion began in 2022. This transformation is driven by new battlefield realities, including the extensive use of drones. Entrepreneurs like Yuriy Shelmuk, co-founder of Unwave, are at the forefront of these advancements, creating anti-drone signal jammers that are now in high demand. Battlefield Setbacks Spark Innovation Initially, interest in Unwave’s jammers was minimal. However, after a failed Ukrainian counteroffensive in mid-2023, the company’s devices gained prominence. The setback highlighted Russian dominance in deploying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance and…