Author: Resham Bhambani

China’s SpaceSail Partners with Brazil for Satellite Services China’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite firm, SpaceSail, is stepping up its challenge to Elon Musk’s Starlink by expanding into the Brazilian market. On Wednesday, during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Brasilia, the company announced a key agreement with Brazil’s state telecom, Telebras, to provide satellite communications and broadband services across the country. A Strategic Collaboration with Brazil The memorandum signed with Telebras marks a significant milestone in SpaceSail’s overseas expansion. This collaboration aims to improve Internet access in Brazil, especially in remote regions where connectivity remains a challenge. The…

Expanded Launch Agreements for AST SpaceMobile AST SpaceMobile, a company striving to enable satellite-based cellular services for unmodified smartphones, announced it has secured its path to low Earth orbit. During its third-quarter earnings call, the company shared that it had finalised new launch agreements with Blue Origin, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and SpaceX. These launches, scheduled for 2025 and 2026, aim to deliver uninterrupted space-based broadband connectivity across key global markets, including the US, Europe, and Japan. Founder, Chairman, and CEO Abel Avellan highlighted the strategic importance of these partnerships, stating they would help achieve “continuous space-based cellular…

China Unveils Reusable Long March 9 Rocket to Compete with SpaceX China’s Aerospace Science and Technology Corp , a state-owned aerospace company, showcased a reusable version of its Long March 9 booster at the Zhuhai Airshow this week, aiming to rival SpaceX’s heavy-lift capabilities. The updated Long March 9 design, featuring a fully reusable two-stage model, could carry payloads of 100 tons to low-earth orbit and 50 tons to lunar-transfer orbit, according to a company interview with CCTV. Advancements in the Long March 9 Design Initially revealed in 2018 as an expendable rocket, the Long March 9 booster has since…

Living with Long COVID: The Lingering Struggles of Millions Worldwide After four years of living with long COVID, Kenyan businesswoman Wachuka Gichohi faces daily symptoms like severe fatigue, pain, and panic attacks. Even well-meaning phrases like “Feel better soon” or “Wishing you a quick recovery” can feel out of touch. “For me,” she explains, “it’s not going to happen.” Limited Chances for Full Recovery Research now shows that the longer patients endure symptoms, the slimmer their chances of full recovery. Studies from the UK and US suggest the best recovery window is within the first six months after contracting COVID-19.…

Turkey Open to Technology Collaboration with Elon Musk, Says President Erdogan President Tayyip Erdogan suggested that Turkey could partner with Elon Musk on technology projects if suitable cooperation opportunities emerge, according to TRT Haber on Wednesday. Erdogan highlighted Musk’s work in technology and space, indicating a shared interest in advancing Turkey’s tech sector through international collaboration. Musk’s Role in US Government Efficiency Meanwhile, US President-elect Donald Trump recently appointed Musk to a government advisory role focused on enhancing government efficiency. This position grants Musk, the world’s wealthiest individual, additional influence in shaping public sector innovations, following his significant contributions to…

Finance Ministry of China Outlines New Economic Policies for 2024 Ministry of Finance in China is crafting a new policy framework to support the nation’s economic and social development goals for 2024. Minister Lan Fo’an, speaking at a recent press conference in Beijing, highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to reinforcing counter-cyclical adjustments to navigate economic challenges and stabilise growth. New Measures Target Real Estate and Debt Management Lan announced that the Ministry has submitted new taxation policies aimed at revitalising the real estate sector, with approval expected soon. Additionally, measures to replace hidden local debt are set to begin immediately, which…

Shenzhou-18 Astronauts Return to Earth After Six-Month Mission The Shenzhou-18 crew returned to Beijing early on Monday following a six-month mission aboard China’s space station. Astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu landed safely at 01:24 (Beijing Time) at the Dongfeng landing site in Inner Mongolia, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA). Safe Landing and Good Health Upon landing, the CMSA confirmed that the three astronauts were in excellent physical health. Following standard procedures, the team will enter a period of medical quarantine to undergo comprehensive health evaluations. Once these checks are complete, they are expected to…

CAS Space Expands with Advanced Rockets and Tourism Plans Chinese commercial launch provider CAS Space expands into international markets to drive long-term growth. Originally a commercial spinoff of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the company has established itself with its Kinetica-1 (Lijian-1) rocket, which has achieved four successful launches since its 2022 debut. The company’s main customer is Changguang Satellite Technology (CGST), a CAS subsidiary focused on building an Earth observation satellite constellation. Expanding Capabilities with New Rockets and Tourist Flights CAS Space’s upcoming Kinetica-2 rocket, scheduled for a September 2025 launch, will offer increased payload capacity—up to 7,800…

China’s Shenzhou-19 Mission Embarks on Scientific Experiments and Lunar Habitat Preparations China launched its Shenzhou-19 crewed spacecraft on Wednesday, sending three astronauts to the permanently inhabited Tiangong space station. The six-month mission includes dozens of scientific experiments, some focused on constructing human habitats in space. This milestone mission reflects China’s steady advancement in space exploration, following the recent completion of Tiangong in 2022. https://youtu.be/ZI3RGvTt-ns?si=vHiweV8HV8avIl0j Shenzhou-19 Launch Details and Mission Objectives Shenzhou-19, atop a Long March-2F rocket, blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China at 4:27 a.m. Beijing Time. The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced that the…

China’s Shenzhou-19 Set for Launch with New Crew of Three Astronauts https://youtu.be/ZI3RGvTt-ns?si=vHiweV8HV8avIl0j China’s Shenzhou-19 crewed spacecraft is scheduled to launch from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on Wednesday at 04:27 (Beijing Time), as reported by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA). This launch marks a new milestone in China’s manned space program. Mission Overview and Key Details During a media briefing on Tuesday, CMSA spokesperson Lin Xiqiang outlined details of the mission. The Shenzhou-19 spacecraft, China’s 33rd manned space mission, will carry astronauts Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong, and Wang Haoze. Cai Xuzhe, the mission commander, previously flew…