Author: Resham Bhambani

Brightness of Chinese Broadband Satellites Raises Concerns Among Astronomers The first set of Chinese broadband satellites has been observed to be significantly brighter than their Western counterparts, creating a new challenge for astronomers. According to a study posted on the arXiv preprint server on 30 September, these satellites pose a risk of interference with ground-based observatories. Qianfan Satellite Brightness Exceeds Recommendations The study focused on 18 Qianfan satellites, also known as “Thousand Sails,” launched in August. These satellites are the initial batch of a planned constellation that may eventually consist of more than 14,000 units. Observations showed that the brightness…

China Launches Reusable Satellite, Shijian-19, into Space China launches reusable satellite, the Shijian-19, on Friday. The satellite was sent into orbit using a Long March-2D rocket. Successful Launch from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center The Long March-2D rocket lifted off at 18:30 Beijing Time from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. The Shijian-19 satellite aims to enhance China’s technological capabilities in space by achieving advancements in several critical areas. Breakthrough Technologies for Enhanced Space Research The Shijian-19 satellite has incorporated breakthroughs in reusability, microgravity support, high payload capacity, and re-entry testing services. These innovations will boost China’s returnable satellite…

Shenzhou-18 Crew Advances Research in Space as Mission Progresses The Shenzhou-18 crew, now in the second half of their mission, continues to carry out significant studies, research, and daily activities aboard China’s space station, Tiangong. Ongoing Research and Experiments The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) recently shared new footage of the Shenzhou-18 crew, highlighting their ongoing efforts in space science experiments, station environment monitoring, and overall station management. The mission, which began on April 25, has seen astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu in orbit for over four months. Last week, the crew focused on improving the habitability…

Evaluating Heart Disease Risk in Women: A Need for Earlier Prevention Women should start assessing their heart disease risks in their 30s, not just after menopause, says new research. This call to action comes from researchers who published a study presented at the European Society of Cardiology annual meeting in London. The new research reveals, for the first time, that simple blood tests can predict a woman’s risk of cardiovascular disease over the next 30 years. Early Risk Assessment is Crucial The study’s findings highlight the importance of early risk evaluation. Currently, guidelines suggest that women should generally not be…

US Funds Chinese Research Linked to Over 1,000 Patents for Chinese Inventors Since 2010 Research Funding Details The U.S. Department of Defense, NASA, and other federal agencies have funded research that resulted in over 1,000 U.S. patents granted to China-based inventors since 2010. This data, provided by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, highlights the ongoing collaboration in sensitive fields such as biotechnology and semiconductors. These findings, revealed by Reuters, have not been previously reported and are likely to intensify calls to reconsider or renegotiate the U.S.-China Science and Technology Agreement (STA). Critics argue that this agreement disproportionately benefits China,…

South Korea Urges Social Media Platforms to Combat Deepfake Content Authorities in South Korea have intensified their efforts to curb the spread of sexually explicit deepfake content, urging social media platforms like Telegram to collaborate in removing and blocking such harmful material. The call to action comes amidst growing public and political outrage over the proliferation of these disturbing images and videos. Government Initiatives to Combat Deepfake Content In response to alarming reports that sexually explicit deepfake content involving South Korean women is frequently shared in Telegram chatrooms, the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC) announced several measures. These include setting…

Google Eyes Vietnam for First US Tech Giant Data Centre Investment Google, part of Alphabet Inc., is considering establishing a large data centre in Vietnam. This would mark the first significant investment by a major US technology company in the Southeast Asian country. A source familiar with the matter revealed these plans, noting that the data centre could be built near Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s economic hub in the south. Potential Hyperscale Data Centre in Vietnam Google is evaluating the possibility of setting up a “hyperscale” data centre, which represents the largest facilities in the industry. These centres typically…

Tech Industry Urges Malaysia to Pause Social Media Licensing Plan An influential Asian industry group, which includes tech giants such as Google, Meta, and X, has urged the Malaysian government to reconsider its planned social media licensing regulations. The group expressed concerns over the lack of clarity surrounding the proposed rules. Concerns Over Licensing Requirements In July, Malaysia’s communications regulator announced a new policy requiring social media platforms with more than eight million users in the country to apply for a license. This move, intended to combat cybercrime, mandates compliance starting from this month. Social media platforms that fail to…

SpaceX Prepares for First Private Spacewalk in Landmark Mission Innovative Equipment and High Stakes Define SpaceX’s Next Venture SpaceX is set to undertake one of its most daring missions yet, featuring the first-ever private spacewalk. Scheduled for next week, this mission will push the boundaries of space exploration with cutting-edge equipment, including lightweight spacesuits and a modified Crew Dragon capsule lacking a traditional airlock. Trailblazing Crew and Mission Details at SpaceX The mission, named Polaris Dawn, is spearheaded by billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, who also financed the mission. Joining him are mission pilot Scott Poteet, a retired US Air Force…

China Achieves New Milestone with Test Flight of Heavy-Lift Civilian Drone China’s aviation industry marked a significant milestone with the successful test flight of an unmanned civilian drone capable of carrying up to 3.2 metric tons of cargo. This achievement reflects the country’s growing focus on larger drones to meet the anticipated rise in domestic demand. SA750U: A New Era in Cargo Drones The SA750U, developed by a drone manufacturer based in Hunan province, completed a 40-minute test flight on Thursday morning. As reported by the official Hunan Daily on Friday, this drone can operate at altitudes as high as…