Trump Makes Major Cuts to NASA’s Lunar Missions US President Donald Trump in his 2026 budget proposal, aims to cut $6 billion from NASA’s funding, a 24% reduction from its current $24.8 billion. This significant cutback targets the Artemis moon program, a central part of NASA’s plans to return humans to the lunar surface. Under the proposal, NASA’s costly Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion crew capsule will be phased out after their third mission in 2027. These systems, developed by Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin, have long been criticised for their high costs and delays. The White House…
Author: Kanika Sharma
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Strategic Vizhinjam Port Marks Milestone in Trade Infrastructure Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on Friday, calling it a major step forward in India’s maritime development. Developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), the Vizhinjam Port is a key project under a public-private partnership with the government. The port, constructed at an estimated cost of ₹8,900 crore, is expected to transform India’s shipping capabilities. Following a successful trial run, it received full commercial clearance in December last year. At the launch event, attended by Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar, Chief Minister Pinarayi…
SES in Talks to Support Europe’s Satellite Independence Amid Starlink Concerns European satellite operator SES is in active discussions with the EU and other governments to offer services that can complement Elon Musk’s Starlink. As the region rethinks its reliance on foreign providers, SES aims to play a key role in building secure, Europe-based space communications. Strategic Shift in Satellite Planning SES CEO Adel Al-Saleh revealed that conversations have moved beyond short-term needs. Governments are now considering mid- and long-term solutions. “The discussions are much more strategic in nature,” he told Reuters. “We are seeing European nations seriously boosting their…
Electric Humanoid Robot Targets Physically Demanding Factory Jobs Boston Dynamics is preparing to deploy its advanced humanoid robot, Atlas, in Hyundai Motor Group’s U.S. manufacturing operations later this year. The robot will begin trial use at Hyundai’s Metaplant in Georgia, testing its capabilities in real industrial environments. The electric version of Atlas, revealed in April 2024, is designed for high-performance tasks such as lifting heavy components and sorting car parts. Its agility and strength, enabled by custom-built motors, position it as a potential game-changer in manufacturing. Scott Kuindersma, Senior Director of Robotics Research at Boston Dynamics, said Atlas is built…
New Legal Framework to Bolster Private Enterprises China has taken a major step to support its private sector by passing its first dedicated law aimed at promoting private enterprise. This move highlights the country’s intent to strengthen a vital part of its economy, which is the second-largest in the world. The law was adopted on Wednesday during a session of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress. Following more than a year of legislative work, the law is set to take effect on 20 May 2025. With 78 articles grouped into nine chapters, the law addresses various key areas.…
Greenland Satellite Link Failure Disrupts Key Communications Several remote regions of Greenland have lost access to vital communication services, including internet, telephony, television, and radio, according to the Arctic island’s telecom provider, Tusass. The disruption occurred late on Monday and is linked to a loss of contact with satellite equipment located in Spain. Tusass stated that the affected satellite infrastructure, based in Maspalomas, Spain, is essential for delivering services to Greenland’s more isolated communities. The company confirmed that it currently has no communication with the equipment and is investigating the situation. Potential Link to Major Power Outage in Spain The…
New Zealand to Regulate Ground-Based Space Infrastructure by July New Zealand will introduce legislation in July to regulate operators of ground-based space infrastructure, Space Minister Judith Collins announced. The move aims to prevent foreign interference and strengthen the country’s national security. Concerns Over Foreign Interference The upcoming regulations follow warnings from New Zealand’s intelligence services. In September, they raised alarms about foreign attempts to establish space infrastructure that could support military activities against New Zealand’s interests. Although no specific country was named, the report highlighted China as a significant but not the only concern. New Zealand, as a member of…
Second Successful Test Marks Key Progress The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved another milestone on 24 April 2025, by successfully conducting a short-duration hot test of its Semicryogenic Engine. The test took place at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Mahendragiri. This ignition test marks the second major achievement following the successful first hot test held on 28 March 2025. The series of tests forms a critical part of ISRO’s ongoing Semicryogenic engine development programme. Each stage is designed to move the project closer to operational readiness for future launch vehicles. ISRO Hot Test Validates Start-up Sequence During this…
Mexican President Sheinbaum Calls for Changes to Controversial Telecoms Bill Mexican President Sheinbaum on Friday urged changes or removal of part of a new telecommunications bill. Critics had raised concerns that the proposed law could restrict free speech and lead to government censorship. The bill moved rapidly through Senate committees on Thursday, just a day after Claudia Sheinbaum first introduced it. This followed controversy over the local broadcast of a US government advertisement discouraging migration to the US. Sheinbaum insists the bill is meant to prevent foreign governments from spreading political or ideological propaganda in Mexico. Critics Raise Concerns About…
ISRO Heads International Charter for Next Six Months India has assumed the lead role in the “International Charter Space and Major Disasters” from April 2025, reaffirming its leadership in space-based disaster response. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), through its National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), will coordinate the Charter’s activities for six months. The tenure began with the 53rd meeting of the Charter, held in Hyderabad from 14–17 April 2025. Organised by NRSC/ISRO, the meeting saw participation from leading global space agencies, with 22 foreign delegates attending in person. A Milestone Year for International Cooperation The International Charter marks its…